Lina's POV
The voice cut through the air like a blade—cold, deep, laced with lethal authority.
"And she sure as hell isn't yours now."
My head snapped around, shock flooding through me.
*Adrian.*
He stood at the end of the corridor, dressed in black tactical gear, a gun pressed firmly against the back of Damon's neck.
His face was sharp and cold, gray eyes burning with barely restrained violence.
But when his gaze found mine, everything softened.
*Mrs. Storm. I'm not too late, am I?*
The terror that had been clawing at my chest—the panic, the desperate readiness to fight to the death—it all dissolved.
I shook my head slowly, unable to speak.
*I'm okay. You're here. I'm okay.*
---
Cipher let out a shaky breath of relief at the sight of Adrian.
But
