(Ruby's POV)
The car smells like smoke and fear.
We're driving away from the manor, away from the flames, away from the man who tried to burn us alive. My hands are still shaking. My ears are still ringing. Every time I close my eyes, I see the fire spreading across the studio floor.
Nicholas is beside me, his face pale, his jaw tight. He's staring out the window, watching the trees blur past.
Liam is in the front seat, talking on the phone. His voice is low, urgent. I can't hear the words.
Anya is driving, her eyes on the road, her hands steady on the wheel.
No one speaks.
The silence is heavy, thick with everything we almost lost.
My phone buzzes. I look down. A text from an unknown number.
The manor is just the beginning. Tell Nicholas I'm coming for everything he loves.
My blood runs cold.
"Nicholas."
He looks at me. I show him the message.
His face goes even paler. "Kai."
"But he's in custody."
