“We need to talk.” Nathaniel’s voice was low, edged with urgency. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by something more serious, almost threatening. Beside him stood Trent, draped in a black feathered suit, his expression unreadable.
Then Nathaniel’s gaze shifted—past me—toward Elena, who lingered just behind. His next words came with a sharp finality. “Without her.”
I tensed. A part of me already knew what this was about, but still, I pushed back. “Whatever you need to say to me, you can say it in front of her.” My voice was firm, unwilling to bend. Elena already knew the truth of this town—at least, part of it. But not everything. If she did, it would unravel everything we were trying to protect.
“This is serious, Mason.” Trent’s voice cut through the tension. He rarely spoke his min
