After that, the debts come due.”

He grabbed his tactical duffel from the corner.

“Where are you going?” I asked, panic finally bleeding into my voice.

Caleb paused at the door, his eyes locking onto mine. “To end this. Trust what we built, Mara. Trust the training.”

Before I could say another word, he walked out into the night, leaving me alone with his mother, a corrupt Colonel, and a shattered crest on the floor.

I didn’t know it then, but that was the last time I’d see my husband for twenty-one days.