The safe house settled into a quiet rhythm over the next few days. It was far enough from the city that no noise from traffic or crowds ever reached it, and the only sounds were the wind in the trees, birds in the early morning, and the soft ticking of the old grandfather clock in the hallway.
Even though they were under the same roof, Cole made sure they kept their own spaces. Elara had a large, comfortable bedroom at the back of the second floor, with its own bathroom and a small balcony overlooking the hills. Cole stayed in the room directly across the hall, close enough to hear anything, but far enough to give her full privacy and space.
From the moment they arrived, Cole made protection his only job. He did not make a big show of it, no constant checking or questions that would make
