Iris’s POV
The phone rang at eight in the morning, cutting through the fog of another restless night. Maya’s name flashed across the screen, and I answered before the second ring ended.
“I need you to come over,” she said, her voice tight and urgent. “It cannot wait.”
I was already out of bed before she finished speaking. Marcus had left earlier, leaving a note on the counter and a full pot of coffee I had not touched. I dressed quickly, grabbed my keys, and left the apartment with my heart already racing.
The drive across the city felt longer than usual, even though I knew the roads by memory. My mind kept jumping ahead, building worst-case scenarios I could not control. By the time I reached Maya’s place, my chest felt tight with anticipation.
She opened the door before I knocked.
