Page 55 of Vows of Ruin

Wrenley swings her leg off Max’s lap, rising in one fluid motion. “It was an illusion anyway.”

Doc gives a little sigh but smiles as she begins gathering empty plates. “At least you got to eat in peace for once.”

Everyone murmurs thank you and kisses her on the cheek on their way out, scattering with trained instinct, off to change, arm themselves, run down protocols. Even Hugo lumbers after Wrenley like he knows something’s coming.

Max stays behind a beat longer, catching my eye as I stand. “You think he’s serious?”

I nod once, jaw tight. “He wouldn’t have asked for a meeting if it wasn’t something big.”

“Then I guess we find out how far down this rabbit hole goes.”

I slap him on the shoulder and head out. Whatever this is, whatever Matthew’s holding, we’re about to find out if it’s hope… or a goddamn match tossed into a powder keg.

Matthew shifts in his seat, fingers twitching like he’s not sure whether to speak or bolt. He’s already sweating, part nerves, part guilt, and the way he keeps glancing toward Torque is starting to get on my nerves.

“You got something to say?” I finally ask, flatly.

Matthew swallows. “Yeah, uh… it’s just...” His gaze flicks to Torque again, lingering this time like he’s trying to place a memory. “You look… I mean, he looks…”

Torque leans forward, jaw ticking. “Spit it the fuck out, man. What are you staring at me for?”

Matthew shifts again, almost shrinking in the metal chair. “The backer. The guy who’s been funding Sebastian, the one behind a lot of the resources and cover. I’ve only seen him a few times. But… he looks a lot like you. Maybe a year or two older. Not as built, no tattoos. But the resemblance? It’s uncanny.”

My blood slows in my veins. “What’s his name?”

Matthew licks his lips. “I only know his first name. Cyrus.”

Torque jerks back like he’s been slapped. His voice is barely a breath. “Fuck me.”

Wrenley looks between us. “What? What is it?”

Torque doesn’t take his eyes off the floor. “My brother’s name is Cyrus. And yeah… he looks just like me. Just happens to be a complete piece of shit.”

The room falls silent, tense, all eyes locking on him.

Matthew tries to keep the momentum going, oblivious or just too used to chaos. “Anyway… Sebastian owes him money. Promised to pay him once he finishes what he’s doing, his words, not mine. Said he’s destroying his sister’s life and walking away with everything.”

Wrenley rolls her eyes. “Charming.”

I cross my arms. “How do you want to play this?”

Torque sits up straighter, something sharp sliding into place behind his eyes. “He runs underground high-stakes poker games, girls, drugs. The money flies like confetti. I go in and talk to him. He won’t think twice about me showing up. I’ll offer to buy off the debt and get whatever intel I can.”

Wrenley doesn’t even pause. “You’re not going alone. I’m going with you.”

Max, Torque, and I all say it at the same time.

“No.”

She glares at us, spine snapping straight. “If it involves Sebastian, I’m going.”

Max’s voice is low, on the verge of scolding. “Sparrow, it’s not—”

“Otherwise, I’ll find a way in from wherever you assign me. You know I will.” Wrenley says with a hint of snark in her voice

Max sighs, already rubbing his forehead like he’s bracing for a migraine. He looks at me. “Well, what do you think?”

I study her, her steel spine, the fire in her eyes, the kind of determination that doesn’t bend, even when it breaks. Hell, if I don’t love her more for it.