The knock was soft at first. Then again, firmer. Three more times, and Nova’s eyes fluttered open in the dark.
It was 4:00 AM.
She glanced at the glowing numbers on the clock, heart tightening with unease. Beside her, Kade stirred but didn’t wake. Another knock came. Steady. Purposeful. Not frantic—but insistent.
She rose, wrapping herself in a sweater, clutching River close to her chest as she padded downstairs. The chill of the morning air pressed through the cabin walls like a breath. When she opened the front door, she froze.
"Thorn?"
He stood calmly, cloak damp with dew, moss still clinging to his boots. His eyes were steady, but urgent.
"You’re here at four in the morning?" Nova whispered, shifting River in her arms. "Why?"
Thorn inclined his head. "We have two hours until sun
