I stepped closer to the glass, pressing my palms against the cold pane so he could see my outline.

Aries looked up, his gaze locking onto mine through the glare.

He gave a single, almost imperceptible nod.

“The papers are in the case,” Aries said, holding up the silver briefcase. “The deeds to the shipping lines, the digital keys, and the signed transfers.”

“All of it?” Killian asked, taking a step forward.

“Every asset I own in this city,” Aries said. “In exchange for the girl.”

“You are giving up a kingdom for a tailor,” Killian said, a cold smile touching his lips.

“I am buying her safety,” Aries replied. “And you will let her walk out of here.”

I knew Killian was lying.

He would never let either of us leave this shipyard alive once he had those documents.

I had to do something to break the trap.

I looked around the small maintenance room.

It was an old utility office, filled with dust-covered equipment once used to clean and press heavy canvas sails.

In the corner sat a massive, cylindrical steam boiler.