[Ethan's POV]
The Hofburg Palace was a monument to absolute power.
Illuminated by hundreds of golden floodlights, the sprawling baroque complex looked less like a building and more like a fortress of marble and statues. A line of black Maybachs and armored Rolls-Royces crawled toward the grand entrance, discharging the wealthiest, most dangerous people in Europe.
I adjusted the cuffs of Julian Croft's bespoke tuxedo. It was a little tight across the shoulders, pulling uncomfortably at the fresh stitches Claire had put in my flesh a few hours ago, but it fit well enough to pass inspection.
I had been forced to leave the Glock back at the hostel. Isabella's security was too tight for firearms. Instead, I had a high-density ceramic push-dagger concealed in the lining of my cummerbund, completely invisible to metal detectors.
Claire stepped out of the cab beside me, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
