Page 115 of Stolen Empire

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I want to believe him, but right now, all I can think about is that she’s still in that warehouse.

She never left, and something is wrong.

My phone buzzes again and I see another text from the reconnaissance team.

They heard a door slam.

Male voices moved away from the building.

Engines started, and two vehicles left the lot.

I show it to Gavriil.

"They’re leaving."

"Should we move in now?" he asks.

I check the tracker.

The dot is still there, still stationary.

"She’s still inside, but if the Radiches are leaving…"

I run a hand through my hair.

"Maybe they left her there. Maybe she’s?—"

I can’t finish the thought.

Rolan stands.

"Send the reconnaissance team in carefully. Have them check if she’s there."

I nod to Gavriil, who immediately types instructions to his men.

We wait.

Five minutes pass, then ten.

These are the longest minutes of my life.

My phone rings.

It’s the reconnaissance team.

"We moved in and had to pull back, Boss. There are guards everywhere. We'll blow it…"

I cuss under my breath and scowl.

"Pull back. We can't burn her. They'll kill her on the spot."

Damn my cursed heart for caring about her, and damn me for allowing her to go alone.

I knew better, but she insisted.

My God, I can't stand this.

Rolan grips my shoulder.

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