The heavy metal doors of the black van slammed shut with a loud, echoing bang, cutting off the dim streetlights of the alley. The tires screeched against the wet pavement, kicking up a spray of dirty water as the vehicle accelerated into the thick fog, disappearing into the dark Manhattan streets before anyone could blink.

Seconds later, Lucian burst through the side exit door of the opera house, his chest heaving as he scanned the empty alleyway.

Jax and Silas followed right behind him, their faces set in hard, grim lines.

The alley was completely empty except for the drifting wisps of cold fog and the steady drip of water...