A Futile Interrogation and a Roadside Ambush

The interrogation room stank of fear sweat and disinfectant. I stood silently in the corner, watching Kaelen circle our captive like a predator sizing up wounded prey. Tucker—a skinny, jittery man with patchy stubble—couldn't stop his eyes from darting between us.

"Let me be absolutely clear," Kaelen said, his voice calm but laced with authority that made even me straighten up. "You will tell us everything you know about the child trafficking operation. My colleague here"—he gestured toward me—"has an extraordinary gift for detecting lies."

I stepped forward, allowing a slow, menacing smile to spread across my face. I wasn't typically the intimidating one in our bond group—that was Jaxon's specialty—but I could play the role when needed. My powers weren't just for show.

Tucker swallowed hard, adam's apple bobbing. "I already told the guards everything."

"Let me be the judge of that," I said, moving closer.