VANESSA
I stepped away from the guards with a hollow feeling in my gut. The text message burned in my pocket like a hot coal. I knew it was likely a trap, but the mention of Wesley heading toward Fabian left me no choice.
"Luna West, we should leave immediately," one of Roman's security team urged, his eyes darting around the perimeter.
"I need to use the restroom first," I lied, my voice steadier than I felt. "I'll just be a minute."
Before they could protest, I slipped back into the building, my heart pounding against my ribs. The corridors were a blur as I navigated toward the eastern side of the complex. My mind raced through the possibilities. Who sent the message? Was it Seraphina? One of Wesley's allies?
I checked my watch. Seven minutes until the meeting time.
A familiar voice stopped me in my tracks. "Going somewhere?"
I whirled around to find Liam Thorne leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His expression was unreadable, eyes sharp.
