Alpha Alonzo remained motionless behind his imposing black stone desk, documents scattered across its surface like fallen leaves. Border disputes, supply chain reports, tribunal verdicts all awaited his attention, yet his hands stayed frozen in tight fists. His knuckles had turned bone white, veins standing out like angry rivers beneath his skin. Those tempest-gray eyes of his fixed on the dancing candle flames, seeing nothing but his own torment.
Nineteen hours had crawled by since Mariyah disappeared.
Nineteen excruciating hours since someone had stolen his daughter, his precious child, from under his very nose.
The chamber doors burst open with a resounding crash that shattered the oppressive quiet.
Alpha Parker entered with his characteristic measured stride, every movement deliberate and controlled.
