Back at the grand study of Vane Manor, the air felt thick and heavy with panic. The mahogany doors were shut tight, and the massive stone fireplace burned with bright orange flames that cast dancing shadows across the antique bookshelves.

Lucian paced back and forth across the Persian rug like a caged animal. His broad shoulders were tense, and his dark eyes burned with an icy, dangerous fury that could freeze fire. Every second that ticked by on the heavy grandfather clock felt like a sharp needle piercing his chest.

Jax stood near the heavy oak desk, cleaning the black steel slide of his sidearm with a clean cloth. His...