SHATTERED SANCTUARY
~SIMONE'S POV~
The alarm split the dawn silence like a scream. I jerked awake, my heart beating as the white rose fell from my fingers.
Red lights flashed through my bedroom window, and a mechanical voice echoed through the house speakers: "Security breach. All occupants proceed to designated safe areas immediately."
Baron had found us.
I rolled out of bed, muscle memory from Nicholas's training taking over. The gun he had given me was in the nightstand drawer…loaded, safety off, just like he had taught me.
Heavy boots pounded on stone floors somewhere below. Men's voices, sharp and urgent. At least four, maybe more.
"Simone!" Elena's voice came from the hallway, panicked. "Miss Simone, where are you?"
I grabbed my robe and eased the bedroom door open. Elena st
