(Ruby's POV)
Liam's words are still ringing in my ears when I burst through the west wing door.
He's coming tonight. He's going to burn it all down.
Nicholas is at his desk, staring at the security monitors. He looks up when I stumble in, and his face goes pale. "Ruby? What's wrong?"
"Kai knows." I gasp, my chest heaving. "Liam told me. He knows about the tunnel. He knows about the cave. He knows about the safe house in Edinburgh. He's coming tonight. He's bringing his men."
Nicholas is on his feet in an instant. His hands find my shoulders, steadying me. "Slow down. Tell me everything."
I tell him. Every word Liam said. Every threat Kai made. Every secret he uncovered.
Nicholas's jaw tightens. His eyes go dark. "We're out of time."
"I know."
He turns to the monitors, pulling up the conservatory feed. It's empty. Quiet. But for how long?
"Your mother's note," he says. "The one in the library. The true warmth lies beneath. Follow the roots."
