Because all I can think about is her voice going cold. Her certainty that she doesn’t need me. The way my dragon hasn’t stopped raging since she said it.
My fire surges. I suppress it viciously. Can’t let them see how close I am to losing control. Can’t let them know that a mate bond separation is tearing me apart from the inside.
“Timing is critical,” Viktor says. “We execute this time tomorrow. Gives us time to finalize equipment and position teams. Questions?”
None. The planning is thorough.
“Good.” Viktor stands. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow for final—”
The door slams open.
A guard bursts in. Young. Shaken. “Commander. There’s been—” He stops. Looks around the room. “There’s been a death.”
Complete silence.
Viktor’s expression hardens. “Accident?”
“No, sir.” The guard’s voice wavers. “Murder.”
The word creates immediate tension. Murder. Here. Inside Aurora’s sanctuary.
“Where?” Viktor demands. “Who?”
“Maintenance corridor, level three. East wing.” The guard swallows. “It’s Samien Khalef, sir.”
Tabitha makes a wounded sound. Her hand goes to her mouth.
Samien. One of Viktor’s senior advisors. Someone these people knew. Trusted.
“When was he found?” Viktor asks.
“Twenty minutes ago. Security patrol discovered him.”
“Time of death?”
“Medical estimates between 0200 and 0400 hours this morning.”
Early morning. While everyone slept.
“Cause?” Kael’s voice carries weight that makes the guard flinch.
“Throat torn, my Lord. Significant struggle. He fought back.”
Tabitha’s breathing turns ragged. She grips the table edge. Vanya puts a hand on her shoulder.
“Secure the scene,” Viktor orders. “Get forensics—”
“Sir.” The guard’s voice drops. “There were signs of dragon activity at the scene.”
Everything stops.
Dragon activity.
“Explain,” Viktor says.
“Claw marks, sir. Deep gouges in the walls and floor. Pattern and size consistent with dragon form.” The guard looks uncomfortable. “Fire damage. Scorch marks on the concrete. And we found scales. Dragon scales near the body.”
Viktor turns to me. Assessing. “Where were you between 0200 and 0400 hours, Allon?”
