The tires crackled over frozen dirt and pine needles.
The cabin came into view, tucked just off the narrow gravel road that hugged the lake. No lights, no noise, just the gentle lapping of water behind the trees across the street and the scent of pine carried on the wind. A porch light flickered to life the second Sera approached—motion-sensor, battery powered.
She stepped out before the Hummer had fully stopped.
The cold didn't register. But the blood sticking to her shirt did. Blood had a smell, and after years in Adam's cages and her own creature demanding a taste, Sera really couldn't stomach the smell anymore.
Lachlan pulled the vehicle into its usual spot beneath the overhang beside the cabin, engine idling as the heat bled out. Noah sat in the back, still staring like he couldn't quite believe she lived here.
She opened the front door with a practiced turn of the lock and flicked on the warm LED bulb above the kitchen arch.
