Page 90 of Dark Princess Ascending

"I will."

Peter tapped his earpiece once. "Prepare for the initial scan. Team One, move to set thermal imaging."

"Roger that." Jay's voice was barely a whisper.

Through the bulletproof window of their vehicle, Peter watched as Jay moved stealthily toward the estate's eastern wall. Despite his size, the Guardian could be remarkably subtle when needed. They'd chosen this approach based on the surveillance—supposedly, it was a blind spot in the estate's security cameras' coverage.

"There are more patrols than usual," Alfiemurmured through the comm. "I count six visible guards. The pattern suggests at least four more we can't see."

That was double the previous observations obtained through drone surveillance, and Peter's instincts flashed a warning.

"They have guests," Theo's voice came through. "Three vehicles parked behind the garage. High-end. Recently arrived based on engine heat signatures, and given that there is an eight-car garage on the property, they are hosting many people."

Peter's jaw clenched. He'd hoped they'd have more time for reconnaissance, but it seemed like they were going in.

"Thermal imaging in place," Jay reported. "Activating now."

Peter tapped his comm. "Lyall, what are you picking up?"

There was a long pause, and then Lyall's voice came through, tight with controlled rage. "Audio confirms the presence of children. Multiple voices. They need help."

"What's going on?" Peter demanded.

"They're begging someone to stop," Lyall said flatly. "Crying. Enhanced audio is picking up at least three distinct young voices. I don't know if they are boys or girls. Not that it matters."

"Thermal imaging coming through now," Theo reported. "I'm patching it to you."

Peter activated his tablet, studying the heatsignatures. The basement level showed multiple bodies—three small forms with their arms clearly raised above their heads, suggesting restraints. Adult signatures moved between rooms.

"More activity than expected," Alfie said. "They're getting bolder."

Peter weighed his options. Their original plan called for extended surveillance, building a complete picture of security rotations and access points before attempting a rescue, which was the safe way to go. But with confirmed victims in immediate danger, he couldn't wait.

"All teams, maintain position," he ordered. "Lyall, keep me updated on anything you can pick up. Numbers, locations, and any names used. Team One, get me a count on visible security and probable positions of the others."

They didn't have enough information, but they had the advantage of surprise and, as a last resort, a powerful compeller.

A child's scream cut through his thoughts, picked up by the enhanced audio and relayed through their comms. The sound hit him like a physical blow, and he heard several sharp intakes of breath from his team.

"Commander..." Alfie's voice held a dangerous edge.

"I know." Peter forced himself to think tactically despite the rage burning in his chest. "Status report. All positions."

The reports came in rapidly. Ten confirmed security personnel. Threeguestsin the main house. Two more were arriving in a new vehicle. Surveillance showed systematic rotation patterns—professional security, not thugs with guns.

Below it all, through the enhanced audio, were the sounds of children suffering.

Peter hadn't felt this kind of fury since his first mission of rescuing the victims of trafficking. He wanted to storm the estate and tear every adult apart with his bare fangs. But just as he couldn't have done it then, he couldn't do it now. The success of the operation depended on him keeping a cool head.

He had to emotionally detach.

"New vehicle approaching the gate," Theo reported. "High-end sedan. Two occupants."

Moreguestswere arriving. More monsters were coming to hurt children.

Peter tapped his comm. "All teams, prepare for immediate action. We're shifting to extraction protocol."

A chorus of acknowledgments came through. They'd all heard enough, and even though this operation might cost them crucial information they needed to get to the head of the snake, they had no choice.