Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Elara and Kael escape the Thornwood estate and return to Declan's safe house, where Elara reviews her photographs and confirms Marcus Liddell's connection to Desmond Crane. She studies the images and notices details about the folder on Crane's desk—photographs that appear to document people, possibly victims. Yuki analyzes the chip data further and identifies a recurring address linked to Liddell that may be where the Collectors conduct their private operations. Soren Marsh's deliberate silence during the escape weighs on Elara, who becomes convinced Soren is protecting someone inside the organization. Tobias, still recovering, provides context about Soren's role as an internal auditor for the Collectors. Kael and Elara discuss whether Soren can be turned as an ally or whether her restraint was strategic self-preservation. In a quiet moment, Elara finally tells Kael about Nina—the art therapist who vanished after his brother's death—and Kael reveals he found Nina's name in Liddell's cleanup records years ago, which is what first led him to investigate the Collectors. The chapter ends with Elara and Kael committing to hit the new address before the Collectors realize how much they know.
We didn't run. Running draws eyes, and eyes draw questions neither of us could afford. Kael set the pace—long strides disguised as purposeful, the walk of a man who belonged wherever he chose to be. I matched it, tray tucked under my arm, posture immaculate, every muscle held in the specific tension of someone performing normalcy while their blood screamed.
The service corridor funneled us past kitchen staff carrying trays of seared lamb and truffle oil. Steam and rosemary. Someone laughed at a joke I didn't hear. The mundanity of it felt obscene.
Kael's hand found the small of my back. Not romantic—tactical. Steering me through a left turn, then a right, past a stack of catering crates toward the service exit. His palm was warm even through the fabric of my shirt.
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