Sebastian's POV
The weight of what had just transpired still pressed against my chest as I held Maya close, feeling every tremor that coursed through her trembling frame. She pressed herself against me as though I were the only solid thing left in her world. Leo nestled safely in her embrace, completely unaware of the danger he had just escaped, but I could see the raw shock still blazing in Maya's eyes from the ordeal she had endured.
Within hours, I had orchestrated a complete tactical response. Police units had surrounded the perimeter, sharpshooters had taken strategic positions, trained negotiators stood ready, and surveillance drones circled overhead providing live intelligence feeds. Every element had been calculated down to the smallest detail. My role was clear: enter that warehouse appearing to surrender to Geoffrey's ultimatum while the SWAT team waited for my signal to strike.
