The city hadn’t yet recovered from the chaos Damian left in his wake. The fire from the safehouse had been contained, but the smoke still lingered in Elena’s mind, choking her whenever she closed her eyes. For days after, Michael moved them from one place to another, abandoned motels, temporary safe rooms, sometimes even sleeping in the car just to avoid being predictable.
But no matter where they went, she felt Damian’s presence like a shadow pressed against her back. He was everywhere. And the worst part wasn’t his threat, it was her fear of herself.
Michael noticed it. He always did.
“You’re too quiet,” he said one evening as they sat in a dark motel room, its faded curtains doing little to hide the neon glow from the streets outside.
“I’m tired,” she murmured, staring down at her h
