Isabella's POV
The knock echoed through the apartment, sharp and unyielding, like a demand that couldn’t be ignored. Alex and I exchanged a quick glance, his brows knitted in concern. He let go of my hand, his fingers lingering for a second before he stepped forward, keeping his movements calm, measured.
“Stay behind me,” he whispered, his voice steady.
The room felt smaller, the walls somehow closer. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last. My gaze darted to the window, the blinds closed tightly, leaving the room swathed in shadows.
Another knock, more urgent this time.
Alex reached for the doorknob, pausing just long enough to shoot me a reassuring glance. His grip on the handle was firm, his jaw set. He opened the door a crack, just enough to peer out, his body
