–Damon–
My heart slammed against my ribs the moment Lore triggered the emergency. The leaders were being escorted to the panic room, but my eyes locked on my wife—standing still, too still.
I didn't hesitate. I scooped her into my arms and bolted down the stairs toward the control room—one of the safest places in the compound, built to withstand even a missile strike.
"Fuck. Fuck!" I snarled under my breath.
"We have three minutes for that!"
"Fire a missile right at it," Livana cut in sharply. "Now."
"The Dowager Queen already launched one."
Silence fell between us as I kept running, every instinct screaming. Around us, the staff scrambled for cover from the incoming missile—one that could wipe us all out, leaders included.
Fuck. They were targeting us without hesitation. The leaders were expendable. Replaceable.
But not my Queen.
I might be the King on this chessboard—but my Queen? She held more power than anyone.
