t of Isla's words, the chill of the night air, and the gro

onstant, never-ending, and full of chaos. But now, it was different. The storm wasn't just in the air; i

ded was for someone in his ranks to start making mistakes. But even a

s the

ws, hunting anyone weak enough to be caught. And if Darius was honest with hims

ng more. Somet

he trusted, every back alley, every hidden piece o

rumors Isla had brought to him w

got th

untraceable, as always. No one ou

sitate. He picke

Mr. Stone," came a smooth voic

d, but he kept his voic

lied, the faintest trace of amusement lining

led. He knew exa

time for games

ing strings from places Darius had no interest in. He was one of the few who had ever come

ander continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "T

he leaned back in his chair. He knew Aleksander

liste

hill through Darius's veins. "I hear there's a creature i

kip a beat. He didn't let it

oice low. "I've been following the trail, you se

arius snapped. "W

suddenly serious. "A face-to-face. I think yo

cold. He wasn't a fool. Aleksander wouldn't cal

't show up?"

ting your people." Aleksander's voice t

was clear. If he didn't take the ba

ied, hanging up before Aleks

that particular warehouse on the edge of the city. The one that smelled like da

on his coat, tugged his gloves tigh

g to be a nig

as everything D

y in the air. There were no guards, no warning signs. Just

e weren't as careful as he wa

choing in the emptiness of the large room. He didn't bother being quiet. I

u could

laced with something cold. Darius's gaz

l elegance Darius remembered. He hadn't changed. His black suit, immaculat

ke surprises," Dariu

light. "I didn't think you'd come without a little pe

move. "What'

d smoothly. "You do know about it, don't you? Or h

ed, and his fingers

dangerous whisper, "this isn't a rogue. And it's

but kept his distance. "

smile was thin, like a wolf watching prey. "And now, y

uickened. "Who e

widened. "You'll fi

h him. And Darius didn

" Darius said, his voice darkening,

nch. Instead, he stood st

he said softly. "But when

ord, Aleksander turned, dis

t of the words hanging in the air. There was a storm

ut to be caugh