The heavy silence of the villa was a stark contrast to the screaming sirens on the screen. Max walked over, his face a mask of cold resolve, and took the remote from Ruby's trembling hand. With a sharp click, the TV went black, cutting off the frantic reporter mid-sentence.
"She is not going to stop, Max," Ruby whispered, her voice brittle. "She's coming for us, and she doesn't care who gets caught in the crossfire."
"I know," Max replied, his voice low and steady. He didn't offer empty platitudes; instead, he moved behind her, gently peeling the structured black blazer from her shoulders. He guided her to the sofa, pulling her into the solid heat of his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as the delayed shock finally set in, her body shivering against his.
