Avery’s POV
The weight of it all didn’t hit me until I stepped outside.
The cool night air rushed against my face, mixing with the distant scent of smoke and gunpowder. The mansion—Lisa’s fortress—was a mess of flashing red and blue lights, agents moving in and out like a swarm.
Lisa Monroe was in custody.
It was over.
I wanted to feel relief. I wanted to let out the breath I’d been holding for what felt like years.
But all I felt was exhaustion.
“Avery!”
I turned just in time to see Noah pushing through the crowd, eyes wild with panic.
Before I could say a word, his hands were on my face, his touch firm but careful, like he was checking to make sure I was real.
“You’re bleeding.” His voice was sharp, urgent.
I blinked, and that’s when I felt it. The dull ache in my shoulder had
