CHAPTER 66 — THE MESSAGE THAT BROKE THE SILENCE
The sky outside had gone from storm-gray to pitch-black, the kind of black that seemed to swallow every sound, every breath, every certainty. Rain hammered the windows in violent waves, running down the glass like frantic fingerprints. The mansion felt colder than usual—too quiet, too watchful.
Elena sat with Adrian on the couch, curled against his chest, unaware of the message that had just flickered across his phone. Adrian held her with an arm around her waist, the other hand gripping the phone so tightly the muscles in his forearm trembled slightly.
He read the words again.
UNKNOWN SENDER:
I know what happened today.
You can't protect her forever.
A slow, controlled breath left him. Not out of fear.
Out of rage.
Deep, silent rage that burned like coals beneath his ribs.
