Alpha Gray’s POV

The morning came bright and cold. The first true frost of the season had settled overnight, silvering the rooftops and turning the grass brittle beneath the light.

I woke before dawn, too restless to stay in bed.

Alfred stirred almost immediately, his voice low and eager in my mind. Today, he said. She’s coming home.

“Not yet,” I reminded him, pulling on a shirt. “We still have to go get her first.”

Then let’s move, he replied, impatient as ever. I want to see ...