“He saved my life, Clara,” Vincent said.

“Before he retired to get you away from this life, he made me swear an oath.”

“He made me promise that if you ever came to me in trouble, I would protect you with everything I have.”

“That photograph was his way of ensuring I would recognize you if the day ever came.”

I looked down at the faded image, my eyes burning with unshed tears.

“So this is a debt,” I said, my voice cracking.

“It is the ultimate debt,” Vincent replied. “And I intend to pay it.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, filled only by the crackle of the fireplace.

I felt a strange sense of safety, but it was wrapped in a deep, cold dread.

“Derek won’t care about your debt,” I said. “He is desperate. He will do anything to get me back.”

“Derek is nothing,” Vincent said coldly. “He has no army.”

Before I could answer, the heavy wooden door of the study opened.

A tall, broad-shouldered man with a shaved head stepped inside.