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“Understood.”

I turned my head to the window. Protection was one thing. But it wasn’t information and right now I needed one more than the other.

The car slowed as we turned into the drive. Rain peppered the side of the car.

“I’ll load the weapons from the garage, then I’ll head back out.” Rafe added. “You have the rest in the house.”

I nodded, but my thoughts returned to her just as they’ve done all damn day. “I’ll be fine.”

Silence followed.

Neither of us believed it.

I was already reaching for the doorhandle by the time the car came to a stop. Wind slammed against me, battling the door as I pushed it open and climbed out. Cold rain struck my face instantly. Good. Maybe it’d wash some of this away. It didn’t.

The gravel crunched beneath my boots as I climbed the steps. The front door opened. Closed. The familiar scent of old timber wrapped around me.

Home.

The thought should’ve comforted me.

Instead something inside me tightened.

The house felt different tonight.

Alive.

I stopped as I crossed the foyer, heading for my wing.

The groan of pipes.

The ticking of the old grandfather clock.

The distant howl of the wind around stone.

And beneath it all—her.

I turned my head toward her wing.

Not a sound.

Not a movement.

Just… awareness.

Nyssa was there.

Breathing.

Sleeping maybe.

I closed my eyes.

Existing.

That alone felt dangerous.

I removed my jacket slowly.