When I saw the jagged scar raw on Shedrack's upper arm—confirming everything Black had revealed about him—I knew with absolute certainty that he had truly met Sullivan in combat.

My fears and heartbreak, which had been clouding my mind and convincing me that Sullivan was dead, remained strictly hidden behind a stone facade. It wasn't time to break down. Not now. Not here.

I had to avenge Sullivan's death, even if it was the last thing I ever accomplished in this life. Losing Rosa was still a razor-sharp wound in my chest, and I couldn't afford to drown in grief over Sullivan as I threw myself back into managing the...