The knock echoed again.
Three slow, steady taps.
Each one sank into my chest like a heartbeat I didn't want to hear.
For a moment, no one moved.
The air inside the safehouse thickened—like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
I pressed closer to Rafael, my hand still gripping his. His skin was clammy, his breath uneven but there. Alive. Barely. I couldn't lose him again—not after everything, not after the night I'd already lived through.
Another knock came, louder this time.
"Who is it?" one of the guards barked, moving toward the door with his gun raised.
The voice that answered was calm, too calm.
"Tell her I know she's here. Tell Aurora she still owes me blood."
My heart stopped.
I didn't recognize the voice, but the way it said my name—like a curse—made every muscle in my body tighten. I looked at the guard nearest me. He mouthed something I didn't hear, then nodded for the others to take positions.
