A cold stillness settled across Kade's expression, a glacial composure resettling into place like something he had worn so long it had ceased to be a choice.
The search would continue. The truth would be extracted from whoever still held it, through whatever means became necessary. Those who believed his possessions were available to them would learn otherwise, at a cost proportional to the audacity of the attempt.
But not in this room.
Not in this hour.
For now, he kept his word.
Here beside her, keeping watch, until she woke. And when she did, they would face what was waiting for them together.
