Valkyrie's heart skipped an entire beat, a cold spike of pure adrenaline surging through his chest. As an elite member of the military and a friend to Travis, his primary directive—and his deepest personal loyalty—lay in preserving the peace and safety of Jillyanna and everyone under her wing. He knew with absolute certainty how deeply Jillyanna cherished this young girl. If anything, even the slightest harm, were to happen to Jenny on his watch, he wouldn't just answer to Travis; he would never forgive himself, nor would he survive Jillyanna's wrath.
"Jenny!" Valkyrie yelled, cupping his hands around his mouth as his voice echoed sharply across the darkened courtyard.
Receiving no reply from inside the quiet cottage, he didn't waste another second. He gripped the heavy brass door handle, exerting his full physical force to twist it open, but the heavy deadbolt held firm.
Bang!
