Page 113 of Stolen Empire
"For what it’s worth, I hope she makes it out. Anyone who can earn your loyalty deserves mine."
My phone buzzes with a text from one of Gavriil’s men.
They’re in position and there’s no movement outside.
The building appears empty.
There are two vehicles in the back lot.
And the men are waiting for further instructions.
I show the message to Gavriil.
"Tell them to hold. They should keep watching and report any movement immediately."
He types a response and looks up at me.
"How long do we wait?"
"As long as it takes."
I sit down at the table.
My eyes stay on the screens.
The waiting is unbearable.
Every second that passes without movement makes my chest constrict further.
She never left that warehouse.
She’s still in there, and I have no idea what’s happening to her.
Rolan takes the chair across from me.
"Tell me about her," he says. "Who is she?"
I look at him, surprised by the request, but I answer.
"She’s a thief and a con artist. She grew up with nothing and learned to survive on her own. She’s smart, resourceful, and defiant. When I caught her trying to steal one of our horses, she spat in my face instead of begging for her life."
Rolan raises an eyebrow.
"And that impressed you?"
"It did."
I lean back in the chair.
"She doesn’t break easily. When I gave her this assignment, I expected her to run at the first opportunity, but she didn’t. She stayed, did the work, and proved herself."
"You love her," Rolan says.
It’s not a question but a statement.
I don’t deny it, but my head hangs as I acknowledge it myself.
"Yes. The thought of losing her would destroy me."
