The room was too still.
Not silent. Not cold. Just still. Like space itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what would happen.
I stood near the window, the evening sun bleeding orange over the hills. The edges of my hands were trembling, but not from fear, but from knowing what was coming. What had to come?
Behind me, Quinn leaned against the frame of the bed, his arm still bandaged, but his strength returning faster than any healer had expected. I could feel him watching me, like he always did, quiet and steady.
Luca was pacing back and forth with his boots tracking over the same piece of worn floor.
His mouth was drawn tight, his fists clenched, barely leashed fury simmering beneath his skin.
Rome hadn’t spoken since entering.
He stood across from Quinn, his arms crossed, a
