The command center remained tense long after Raven's message ended.
Nobody liked what they had seen. Not the military officers.
Not the police.
Not Lucien.
Not Simon.
And certainly not Aciel.
The room buzzed with activity as officers analyzed security footage and planned the next phase of operations.
But Aciel wasn't listening anymore. His attention remained fixed on one thing.
Xylia.
Raven had looked directly at her. Again. Not as a hostage. Not as leverage. But as a challenge.
And Aciel hated it.
Hours later, the command center finally quieted. Most officers were working from separate rooms. Military units prepared for the next series of raids. Police forces coordinated checkpoints around Bloomsdale.
The hunt would continue before dawn. Tonight would likely determine everything. Either they would find Raven. Or Raven would disappear again.
Aciel stepped onto the rooftop balcony overlooking the city.
The night air was cool.
