The doorbell rang at 9 :30.
Austin froze, the warm milk on the stove instantly forgotten.
Then she snapped out of it, quickly turned off the heat, and poured the milk into a mug.
She set it aside on the counter, trying to steady her hands.
Only then did she walk toward the door, heart picking up speed.
Who could it be at this hour?
Lucy had facial recognition access.She wouldn't need to ring.
The kids were upstairs in pajamas, getting ready for bed.
And Austin barely knew her neighbors.
She grabbed her phone and checked the security feed.
The moment that cold, familiar face appeared on screen, her stomach dropped.
Kaius.Here. Now.
She didn't even flinch. Her brain had already gone into overdrive.
She bolted for the living room, panic bubbling in her
