Adrian POV
My mind stretched, reaching out. Elena. We were finally able to locate her. Her psychic echo hit me almost immediately: a jolt of fear, restrained panic, mixed with defiance. She was fighting, yes, but against what?
I could feel her every rapid heartbeat, her taut muscles straining. My fists clenched. "Still keep the perimeter locked," I barked, striding toward the armory. Packing guns, blades, some defensive arrays, and ensuring all my top guards were ready.
I moved outside like a shadow of rage. Every instinct, honed over decades, screamed at me to stay in control, but the link to her—Elena—made control laughable. Her fear, her energy, it was like a wildfire, and I was both drawn and terrified of the blaze.
The monitors on my tablet showed the first clash: a small strike team, shadows in the alleys, attempting to flank her. I didn't even hesitate. "I'm moving in," I muttered, already plotting the fastest path.
