Thane’s POV“Thane, I want to see you,” she said firmly. Her eyes were serious as she walked in with the lower-ranked soldiers trailing behind, ordering them to bring her to me.I was battered and weak, my whole body still aching from the brutal stomping I’d endured. Every movement sent a lot of pain shooting through me. I could barely breathe, while my ribs screaming with every breath.Inside, my mind was still torn. Theresa had been taken to the White House by force, President Mark, Viktor, and Damien pulling the strings. I knew what they wanted. They weren’t planning to let her go. They wanted to use her, to take turns with her, like she was nothing but a toy.I had two choices: listen to whatever Shawn wanted to say, or risk everything to go to the White House to see Theresa.But the White House wasn’t some random building, like the first time I went there, It was crawling with tight security, cameras everywhere. Walking in there would be like walking into my own grave. They’d s

Thane POVFor a while, neither of us spoke a word. Everywhere was completely silent.Minutes passed. I tried to leave Shawn’s room because of the ongoing rumor currently going around.I tried to rest, but my mind wouldn’t get quiet. I’m still worried about Theresa and Shawn’s words, about what Nadia’s friends, Amira, Sophia, Claire, and Ruth are saying. They are threatening Shawn for what happened to Nadia.I turned to Shawn. She was sitting with her arms folded, staring at the floor.“Shawn,” I said quietly.She looked up. “Yes?”“You said Nadia’s friends are planning to hurt you. If they are serious about their threats, they might act soon. You mustn’t let your guard down.”She gave a weak smile, trying to show confidence. “I’m not exactly the easiest person to kill, Thane.”I almost smiled back, but the worry didn’t leave me. Instead, I said, “Still… if anything happens, you must come straight to me, understood?”She nodded slowly. “I will.”The silence returned, then she said quie

Thane POVWhen Shawn left her room, I watched the door slowly while I didn't move.Her perfume still lingered in the air; the scent it carried was warm, and I couldn't explain the way it smelled.My chest was heavy, and for a while I hated how quiet everything had become.I didn't understand her anymore. One moment she was gentle, another time she was distant, and right now she's gone.I sat on the edge of her bed, gripping my knees tightly with my hands.I tried keeping my thoughts straight, but my throat burned, and before I realised it I stood up, unable to bear the stillness any longer.I can't stay here, I muttered under my breath. Not like this.I grabbed my jacket and stepped outside. I walked really fast, passing the empty rooms and sleeping guards.I didn't know exactly where I was heading, but my feet carried me towards the back of the barracks.That was where the prison cells were.Inside was exactly the place they put Dylan and me together the last time.My childhood frien

Thane POVViktor and Damien dismissed the meeting, and everyone went back to their quarters to prepare for the war against the Iranians. The sun had not risen when they called us to assemble. We moved in lines with our helmets low. I stood near the war planes, looking at the faces—I could not let them die.“Commander Thane,” Samuel said under his breath as he fell into the line. He still looked like a boy; his eyes were too bright, and this war was bigger than him.“Keep your head down,” I said, my voice sounding flat. “Listen only to orders from me.”He swallowed. “Sir, yes, sir.”Viktor and Damien watched from a distance, their suits very dry and their books looking clean. I was still angry about their involvement in Dylan's death, but I wasn't ready to show it. I already knew about it; I was waiting for the perfect time.They didn't come to the ramp. They stayed by the Camp Bell City barracks, arms folded like kings watching their slaves move. I saw them laughing quietly, as if thi

Chapter 29 The President’s CrimeThane POVThe helicopter had dropped me off at a base near Washington, and from there I forced myself to drive to the Whitehouse.My ribs hurt with every breath. President Mark Wilson had sent us to die in a war that should never have happened, after making Damien and Viktor generals.Half of my men were gone — and for what? His pride? His politics?I gripped the steering wheel tighter. I didn't even know what I planned to say when I got there. Maybe I'd confront him.Maybe I'd destroy his office with my bare hands, or maybe I'd just demand answers for all the lives that had been lost.By the time I reached the White House gates it was already midnight. The guards didn't recognize me at first; my face was still bruised and my uniform was still torn.But when they finally realized who I was, their eyes couldn't believe it."General Thane," one of them asked cautiously, "sir, you're—""Open the gate," I growled.They hesitated, then did as I said, in fe