Nicole’s POV
I paced around the bedroom, biting my nails anxiously as I waited for Nathan to return. I had begged him to let me go with him, to see for myself what was happening at the borders, but he had been firm—insisting that I stay behind with the children, that my place was here with them, keeping them safe. It made sense, I knew that, but it didn’t make it any easier. I felt utterly useless, helpless even, just waiting here while he was out there facing…well, who knows what?
Every sound, every creak of the house, sent me spinning toward the door, hoping it was him. But the hours dragged on, and as the night wore on, the quiet of the house seemed to close in on me. I couldn’t settle, couldn’t rest—not while Nathan was out there, facing some unknown threat. What was happening at th
