Lucian’s POV

The sound of the helicopter blades filled the sky above us, loud and steady, like a heartbeat that had turned into a war drum. It was the only noise in the air, chopping through the darkness like a warning. The wind rushed past as we soared above the trees, heading straight into the blackened edge of nowhere. I could barely hear my own thoughts over the roar, but that was fine. I didn’t need to think right now. I just needed to get there. I just needed to bring them back.

Ares sat across from me in the cabin, silent and still, but there was something dangerous in...