That voice—Joseph's, rough as gravel, cutting through the fog in my head.
Beard shadowing his whole face, clothes stiff with dried blood and that metallic tang hanging off him like a bad omen.
I froze solid, every muscle locking up. "What... what did you do?"
He didn't rush to spill—just snagged my paw, pressing it gentle to his cheek, like he was memorizing the feel.
That old familiar whiff—my scent, clean and sharp, cutting through the stink.
"Gina... easy. I just made Zoe cough up what was yours all along."
My free paw flew to my chest, instinct kicking in, brow furrowing tight. "Zoe—where is she?"
"Dead."
The word lodged in my throat, choking me cold.
Before I could gasp out a follow-up, the door exploded inward—wood splintering like thunder.
Brian lunged, fisting Joseph's co
