I glance at Lucian, then back at the team. “Remember your signals, keep the noise down, and watch each other's backs. Luca, take point. Jace, I want you to coordinate with him on all entry points. Don't argue over comms unless it's life or death. Understood?”
They all nod. Luca gives me a wink over his shoulder, which is enough to make my stomach twist. Jace notices and frowns, jaw tightening. The tension is so thick I feel it in my chest.
Lucian steps back, crossing his arms. “Time to move.”
The team leaves, and I stare at the empty doorway for a moment. Maeve places a hand on my shoulder. “You're doing the right thing. You stay here, you make sure they get the intel they need. You're still a part of the mission, just not out in the field.”
I nod, but my heart isn't listening. My thoughts keep drifting to Luca, to Jace, to what might happen out there. Luca still doesn't fully trust Jace; they've barely talked. I try to focus on the maps, the blueprints, the cameras. Itry to tell myself it's just the adrenaline, but my fingers curl around the edge of the table.
The comms crackle to life, and Luca's voice comes through, confident, teasing—the sound of him and the mission, all at once.
“Better be on point, boss lady. Don't make us miss all the fun.”
I exhale sharply. Fun isn't exactly the word I'd use. But for now, it'll have to do. I lean over the laptop, eyes scanning the live-feed from the street cams Noah hacked into.
It feels like we're waiting hours for them to get on site.
“Alpha team in position,” Luca's voice purrs through the headset. “I told you I'd get us here on time.”
I force a neutral tone, fingers tapping the keyboard. “Eyes up, heads on a swivel. Watch your corners. I'm not there to save your life again, Silvain.”
Luca laughs into the comms.
“Focus,” Jace snaps.
“Jace, coordinate the entry.” I return to a neutral tone.
“Copy. Flank is clear.”
I chew on my cheek. Their voices are calm, professional, but I can hear the underlying tension. Worry and frustration mix and expand in my chest. I shouldn't feel protective, but here I am.
“Left flank moving.” Noah chimes in, “Two guards by the loading dock, patrol in fifteen seconds.”
“Copy,” I respond, eyes glued to the feed. “Luca, watch the first corner. Jace, entry team in three.”
I hear movement, soft thuds, the quiet shuffle of boots, I squeeze the edge of the table, holding my breath.
“Dock secured,” Luca reports. “Ready for breach on your mark, Jace.”
“Hold,” Jace says. “Wait for camera sweep, Felix, Kellan, cover the rear. Noah, eyes on every approach.”
I track the live feeds, watching their shadows move across the buildings. Every step they take is another inch closer to danger.
Movement catches my eye, two unexpected guards on the south side.
“Jace, new targets. Two on the south side, heading north,” I warn.
“Copy.” His voice is sharp and tense. “Luca, flank left. Noah, continue to cover cams. Felix and Kellan, intercept.”
Luca's voice is low. “I'm supposed to be running point.”
“Watch it,” Jace snaps.
A pop echoes through the comms.
“Luca?” I whisper.
“Clear,” he replies and I exhale.
