The car stopped, and reality returned like an insult.
A knock sounded on the privacy glass.
Mezos's voice came through the speaker, perfectly neutral. "Your Highness. My lord. We have arrived."
Liam froze for one furious second, forehead dropping against Arik's shoulder. "I will kill him."
"No," Arik said, voice low and wrecked enough to make Liam's fingers tighten. "You will not."
"Then you kill him."
"I need him tomorrow."
"For what?"
"Many things."
"I hate your administrative priorities."
Outside, Noah's voice drifted closer. "Are they still alive?"
Mezos replied, "Unfortunately, yes."
Arik's arms locked around Liam.
The door opened.
Cold night air slid into the car, and Mezos stood outside with a face so neutral it had become a written threat. Noah was behind him, grinning until Arik looked at him.
The grin died a prudent death.
Arik stepped out of the car with Liam in his arms.
