(Nicholas's POV)
The porch is quiet.
Ruby is asleep against my shoulder, her breathing soft and slow. The stars are bright overhead, scattered across the sky like tiny diamonds. The air is cold, but I don't feel it. I'm too busy watching her.
She looks peaceful. After everything we've been through, she still finds a way to sleep. To rest. To trust.
I kiss her hair and close my eyes.
My phone buzzes.
I pull it out quickly, not wanting to wake her. A text from Liam.
Kai's men. They're not done. They're heading to the safe house.
My blood runs cold.
I wake Ruby gently. "We need to go."
Her eyes flutter open. "What? Why?"
"Kai's men. They're coming here."
She sits up, instantly alert. "How many?"
"Liam doesn't know. But we can't stay."
We stand up, moving toward the door. Inside, the kitchen is still crowded. My mother, Mrs. MacLeod, Anya, Mr. Sterling.
"Everyone listen," I say. "Kai's men are on their way. We need to leave. Now."
