Maya POV

The compound shakes again. Explosions tearing through ancient stone. Alarms screaming. Wolves shouting orders. Chaos everywhere.

Alexei pulls weapons from a hidden panel in the wall. Silver-tipped ammunition. Combat knives. Body armor. He tosses a set to me. "Gear up. We're going to the front lines."

"Your father wants me protected." I catch the armor. Start strapping it on. "I'm too valuable to risk."

"My father isn't here." He loads his rifle with practiced efficiency. "He's ...