Lena watched as Jamie swallowed hard. His hand fidgeted with the sleeve of his shirt, tugging at the frayed hem.
The clearing was silent, save for the whisper of wind weaving through the tall grass and the faint rustle of leaves overhead. The sky was painted orange and red.
Jamie stood at the center, back straight, shoulders squared, but Lena could feel the tension radiating off him in waves. She knew it was taking everything in him to stay still.
Across from him, Jackson and Tiara stood side by side—unmoving. Watchful. Their presence was commanding in that quiet, unspoken way only true leaders had.
Tiara’s gaze was sharp, almost too sharp, like she was peeling back his skin and inspecting everything underneath. Jackson, beside her, had his arms crossed.
Lena had done all she could. S
