People ducked behind rows of seats or clung to their luggage, trembling. Alarms blared overhead, followed by a repeated announcement urging everyone to stay low and wait for security instructions. Astrid’s breath hitched as Ares locked his arm around her. She wasn’t scared of him. She was terrified of losing control. Her nails dug into his sleeve in panic.

“Ares, what are you doing?” she whispered harshly.

Across from them, Vanessa clung to Nile’s jeans. Her eyes were wide and shiny ...