Flashback:
Damian had just ended a call with Aizen, who sounded deeply worried. Alina was unstable—shaken by the recent events and the constant threats surrounding the Thorn name.
His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, pushing the engine to its limit. He was driving there himself; he couldn't trust anyone else to bring her back to him.
The night had already been a disaster. Elena, in a fit of jealous rage, had detonated the car they were supposed to use, leaving them momentarily stranded on the dark highway.
Just as Damian was coordinating a backup plan, his phone buzzed in the cup holder.
The caller ID made him freeze.
Harry Gray.
It was an odd hour for Alina's father to be calling, and an even more dangerous time of the night. Damian hit the speakerphone button, his voice low and dangerous. "Hello, Mr. Gray," he answered, his teeth clenching. He was in no mood for pleasantries; this call was disrupting his plan to reach Alina.
