The crash downstairs echoed through the entire house.
Glass shattered.
Wood splintered.
And suddenly—
Nobody was laughing anymore.
Jake moved instantly.
His body shifted in front of Alice so fast she barely saw him move.
Protect.
Protect now.
Mine.
Alice's heart hammered.
Very fast.
Way too fast.
Because this—
This wasn't mysterious visions or glowing necklaces.
This was real.
Someone was inside the house.
Inside.
Her.
House.
"Oh my God," Alice whispered.
Another crash sounded below.
Then footsteps.
Heavy footsteps.
More than one person.
Lily's face went pale.
"They're already here."
Jake's eyes flashed gold.
"Evelyn."
Her grandmother looked up immediately.
"Take Alice."
Alice blinked.
"...Excuse me?"
Jake turned toward her.
"No."
Alice stared.
"No?"
"N
