(Ruby's POV)
The safe house feels different in the morning light.
Yesterday it was a hideout. A place to hide from Kai's eyes. Today it feels like a launch pad. The last stop before war.
I stand by the window, watching the sun rise over the hills. The sky is pink and gold, beautiful and calm. It doesn't know what's coming tonight.
None of them do.
"Ruby."
I turn. Liam is standing in the doorway, his face tired, his eyes red. He looks like he didn't sleep.
"Anya made breakfast. You should eat."
"I'm not hungry."
"You said that yesterday. You barely touched your soup." He walks toward me, stopping a few feet away. "You need to keep your strength up. Tonight is going to be hard."
"I know."
"Then eat." He gestures toward the kitchen. "Please."
I follow him. The table is set with bread, cheese, fruit, hot tea. Anya is pouring coffee, her hands steady, her face calm. She looks like a soldier before battle.
"Sit," she says. "Both of you."
