Kane's fingers twitched against the chair's armrest.
His mind raced through the implications—returning to regular Bureau assignments, desk reports, and the familiar rhythm of his old life.
No more penthouse mornings.
No more watching Cyrus work through corporate strategies while pretending not to care.
No more shared meals or quiet moments that felt dangerously close to something neither of them would name.
"The investigation isn't complete," Kane heard himself saying. "Veyr Corp's resources have been invaluable in tracking international connections."
Commander Qi's antlers caught the light as he tilted his head, studying Kane with renewed interest.
"You're saying you want to maintain your cover?"
Kane's throat felt dry. "I'm saying the mission requires it, sir. Walking away now would compromise months of intelligence gathering."
"And Drakhal? You're comfortable continuing to work directly under him?"
