The night air smelled like rain—heavy, damp, clinging to the trees like a quiet warning. Jamie stepped onto the back porch, arms crossed tight over her chest, staring into the woods. The lights inside still glowed warmly, casting soft golden hues through the windows, but out here, the shadows pressed in. The forest had always been a place of comfort—still, peaceful. Now it felt like it was watching.
Like it was waiting.
The screen door creaked behind her.
"You okay?"
She turned to find Ethan leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, his silhouette sharp under the porch light. He looked tired—more worn down than she'd seen him in weeks—but it didn't dull the heat in his gray eyes.
"I'm fine," she said too quickly. "Just needed some air."
Ethan had come over after Aria went to bed.
