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I nod mechanically, trying to cling to even the smallest thread of hope. “When do we get instructions for pickup?”

As if responding to my question, a notification pings on Alex's screen. A new message in the auction interface.

Congratulations on your acquisition. Your purchase will be available for collection in 48 hours. Detailed instructions will be provided 12 hours prior to pick up time. Thank you for your patronage.

“Two days.” Oscar’s thumb resuming its soothing circles on my palm. “That gives us time to prepare.”

Z finally releases my shoulder, resuming his agitated pacing. “Or time for them to realize they've been compromised and change the location.”

“They won't,” Alex says, his voice hardening with renewed determination as he swivels in his chair. “The virus deployed exactly as designed. It was their security system that was better than anticipated. They have no way of knowing we attempted to access their systems.”

“So we wait for the pickup instructions and follow the trail physically.”

Alex nods. “We track the sample, find the facility, locate Luca.”

I want to believe them. Need to believe them, but the crushing fear of another setback presses down on my chest, making it hard to breathe.

“I can't wait two more days. He's been captive for years. Every minute..."

Oscar pulls me against his chest, his arms encircling me in a protective embrace. “We're closer than we've ever been, solnishko. Two days and we'll have a direct line to their operation.”

“What if they change the pickup location?” The words tumble out before I can stop them. “What if they realize something's wrong? What if?—"

“They won't,” Alex cuts in. “The virus was designed to self-destruct after deployment. As far as they're concerned, the transaction was clean.”

Z stops pacing, turning to face us with determination etched into his features. “We'll be ready. All of us.”

Talon nods, his expression hardens. “We've been planning for this. Surveillance equipment, weapons, vehicles. We're ready to move at a moment's notice.”

“And if they're expecting that?” I can't help the doubt creeping into my voice. “The Collector has stayed hidden for years. He has to be prepared for someone trying to track him.”

“Then we'll be more prepared,” Oscar says, his voice steady and reassuring against my ear.

“What do we do now?” I ask, pulling away from Oscar's embrace to look at each of them in turn.

Alex swivels back to his computer, fingers already typing again. “Now I monitor the network for any unusual activity. Any hint they might have detected us. If they do, we burn this location and head to the next one.”

“We prepare, and Vesper trains."

Z nods in agreement. “If we're going in physically to extract Luca, she needs to be ready.”

“I am ready,” I insist, though the tremble in my voice betrays me.

“You're getting there,” Talon offers. “But if we're potentially walking into The Collector's territory, you need more than basic self-defense.”

“I need some air,” I announce suddenly, pushing past Talon toward the door. The walls of Alex's room feel like they're closing in.

No one tries to stop me as I hurry down the hallway and out onto the apartment’s small balcony. The cool night air hits my face, a stark relief from the suffocating tension inside. I clutch the railing, fingers digging into the metal as I stare out at the city lights blurring through unshed tears.

Two more days of waiting. Two more days of not knowing if Luca is okay. Two more days for something to go wrong.

The sliding door opens behind me, but I don't turn. I know who it is without looking. Oscar's presence is unmistakable.

“I'm fine,” I say before he can speak, the lie bitter on my tongue.

He doesn't respond immediately, just comes to stand beside me, his shoulder barely brushing mine as he leans against the railing. The silence stretches between us, not uncomfortable but heavy with everything unsaid.

“You don't have to be fine. Not with me.”