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They didn’t even spot theÚltima Sombra’s stealth Corvettes, auto-piloted by Mirage, until it was too late.

Black and spectral, the Signet vessels flickered into formation around them, sleek fangs bared.

‘Convoy is boxed in.’ Miral’s voice was silken with success.

‘Take us in,’ Xander said. ‘Time to have a chat.’

Just like that, Signet’s grip tightened across the flotilla.

SAVVINE

Savvine’s comm tab vibrated.

Her fingers tapped the receiver. Abby’s face flickered to life, mouth tight, eyes piercing.

‘I’m about to board the Signet Corvette, hon,’ Savvine said. ‘What gives?’

‘You’ll want to hear what I’m about to share before you do. I came across some chatter from yesterday.’

Savvine stared at the holo screen in her hands and inhaled. ‘Tell me.’

‘Signet Co. has struck a deal with the Carvajal and Diaz-Granados cartels.’

‘Fokkme.’

‘They’re making moves on all fronts.’

‘They must be throwing around some serious money to gain leverage. What’s theirfokkin’ secret?’

‘No idea. Either way, you’re about to find out.’

‘Makes me think twice about why Alexandr-Alexandr Roman moved so fast to meet me. Something’s brewing.SanteAbby, I’ll comm you when I land on the dark side.’

‘Travel safe.’

Abby waved, and her face vanished as the holo screen collapsed.

Savvine tucked her commtab in her carry-all, and adjusting the straps of her duffel bag, she surged forward, gritting her teeth.

She tracked through the corridors of the Bianchi command wing, her boots echoing on the polished floors.

The Carvajal and Diaz-Granados cartels were notorious, ruthless, and volatile, incapable of playing nice with anyone except for themselves. How had Signet managed to persuade them to sign on the dotted line?

She didn’t like it. Not one bit.

A matte-black Corvette glided into the hangar like a phantom when she reached theEterna’srear docking deck.

Its call signal, theÚltima X, matched the one shared in an earlier message with details of her trip.

It was her escort into the Signet Company’s murky world.

She shivered as she checked her chrono.

14:58.

Her ride was also early.

Sleek, angled hull plates glowing with subtle kinetic shielding.