Chapter 194 Getting somewhere at last.

Rafe's POV The response came swiftly, a stark and uncompromising demand for further proof, along with a clear ultimatum. Silas relayed the Sterlings' message, his face impassive. "They want a video," Silas explained to Rafe, who had met him in another shadowed corner of the city, carefully chosen for its anonymity. "A short clip of Jackson saying 'moonberries' directly to the camera. They want to see him move, hear his voice, confirm his health." Rafe's stomach churned. A video carries even greater risks than a photo. There was more data, more potential for tracking. But he knew it was necessary. The Sterlings wouldn't trust anything less. "And their terms?" Rafe asked, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. Silas's eyes met his. "They will send a retrieval team. Members of their Alpha guard, led by one of them directly, either Max or Leo. They will meet you at a neutral location you choose. You will hand over Jackson. And then, Rafe, you will be taken into custody. They wan