The cabin smelled of pine smoke and worn wood, a safehouse built for silence. Outside, the mountains hid beneath clouds, the night broken only by the whisper of wind through the pines. Inside, the crackle of the fire and the sound of laughter carried through the single room. Emily sat cross-legged on the rug in front of the low table, her face brighter than it had been in weeks. A pile of cards lay between her and Michael Reeves. He leaned back against the couch, brow furrowed in mock outrage as Emily flipped her final card and grinned triumphantly. “I win,” she said, her voice sharp with delight. Reeves groaned theatrically, tossing his hand onto the table. “Impossible. Nobody beats me three rounds straight.” Emily smirked, raising her eyebrows. “Maybe you’re losing your edge.” He le
