The elevator ride up was silent except for the soft hum of machinery. I stood stiffly beside Delucas, my shoulder almost brushing his arm. The two guards who had escorted me stayed behind in the garage. It was just us now, rising through the glass tower like we were leaving the real world far below. I could see the city lights stretching out beneath us through the transparent walls—beautiful and distant, like stars I’d never touch again.
Delucas didn’t speak. He just stood there, hands in the pockets of his coat, radiating that same calm power I’d felt in the warehouse. I kept my eyes forward, jaw tight. Owned. The word kept echoing in my head. I wasn’t a person to him. I was property, payment for my father’s mess. The anger burned low in my gut, but fear kept it from spilling out.
The e
