Garcia's POV
The digital clock glowed red in the darkness when my eyes snapped open. Something had shifted in my mind while I slept, like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place. This bizarre case that had been haunting me for weeks suddenly made sense.
I reached out through the mind link to Herbert, my mental voice cutting through the silence of the Beta floor where we were housed.
"Meet me in the living room. Now."
Within minutes, Herbert appeared in the common area, his hair disheveled but his eyes alert. The convenience of staying on the Beta floor made these urgent meetings possible without disturbing the entire pack.
"What's the situation, Captain?" Herbert settled into one of the leather armchairs, his posture ready for orders.
"I need you to locate Chadwick and bring her back here." My voice carried the weight of command. "Distance doesn't matter. Her willingness doesn't matter. You're acting under Elder authority, and she has no choice but to comply."
