The rain is light at first—just a whisper against the windows—but steady enough to wash the world in gray. It’s the kind of rain that makes everything smell like earth and iron, and for a second, I wish I could disappear into it. Let it soak me through until all the blood, all the fear, is gone.
Inside, the room is too quiet. Quinley’s breathing softly on the couch now, Sage perched beside her like a guardian statue. Tyler’s in the corner, arms crossed, watching the door like he’s waiting for the next monster to kick it in.
I don’t realize Alaric’s watching me until he speaks.
“Elara. A word.”
It’s not really a request.
I glance at Quinley, then at Tyler, and follow Alaric through the kitchen to the back door. He pushes it open and steps onto the covered porch. The air is cool, damp,
