Vael's POV
The next day dragged on like torture.
I hadn't slept more than two hours total. My eyes burned. My body felt heavy, but my mind refused to rest.
Every minute without Lirien was another minute I imagined the worst, him scared, hurt, crying out for me. Davis and I had spent the entire night coordinating with my father's men, tracking possible locations, and pressuring every informant we could reach.
Still, we had nothing solid.
I was sitting at the dining table in our apartment, staring blankly at a cold cup of coffee when my comm device rang.
Unknown number.
My heart slammed against my ribs. I answered instantly, putting it on speaker so Davis could hear.
"Vael Korren," I said, voice rough.
A familiar, mocking voice answered. Martin Voss.
"Well, Korren. I have some news for you."
I gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white. Davis froze beside me, eyes locked on the device.
"What have you done to him?" I growled. "If you hurt him, I swear..."
