Night fell like a shroud over the Devano mansion. And for the first time… Anna truly wanted to run. She stood before a small suitcase in her room, her hands shaking as she shoved clothes inside. Her breathing was jagged. Her mind was a cacofony of Evelyn's voice, Alaric's gaze, and the headlines on her phone.
Everything was moving too fast. Everything was getting too dark.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Alaric.
Do not go anywhere tonight. I am coming to your room.
A flash of heat ignited in her chest. Fear. And… longing. She hadn't even closed her suitcase when the knock came. It wasn't a standard knock; it was their secret code. Two soft raps. One long. Anna's heart nearly leaped out of her chest as she opened the door. Alaric stepped in instantly, closing the door behind him and turning the lock. His face was a mask of tension. His eyes were wild.
"You were going to leave?"
"I…" Anna choked on the words. "I'm scared, Alaric."
