*Sawyer*
I press my back against the cold wall, the rough surface digging into my skin as I keep my eyes glued to the small window. The courtyard sprawls out before me, a hellish scene where chaos reigns. My heart races in my chest as I catch glimpses of Aria and Viktor, the tension thick enough to slice through. I can’t let the twins see me sweat; they’re already scared enough as it is.
“Stay low, kids!” I whisper urgently to Riley and Reyne, who are crouched behind me, their eyes wide with fear. I can feel like I can feel their hearts pounding, mirroring my own. These kids are thirteen, old enough to understand the gravity of our situation, but young enough that I want to shield them from the harsh reality unfolding just outside.
“I want to help Mom!” Riley whispers back, his voice tr
