The news hit like a thunderclap.
Luca Romano was missing.
For a moment, the room froze. Silence pressed down, heavier than the aftermath of gunfire, heavier than the fear still lingering in their veins. Then panic ignited like wildfire.
Grigor, wounded and bleeding, stumbled to his feet, his arm still raw and throbbing from the bullet. He didn't hesitate. Not for a second. Even in pain, he followed the others, determination sharpening his gaze.
Dante left everything behind, his weapon still smoking from the last skirmish, sweat and grime streaked across his face, and bolted upstairs with the rest. Kaelo and Derek flanked each other, their steps hurried, anxious, the weight of responsibility pressing down on every movement.
Only Raya remained behind, frozen in place. She stood rigid, her body taut like a drawn bowstring, eyes unfocused as though the world had blurred around her. For a moment, she didn't move. For a moment, she didn't think.
