Sage's POV

The woods felt heavier today, more lonely. The air was thick and still, like it was holding its breath. Mark said this place was safe, that no one would find me here. But being hidden away like this — isolated from everything I knew — was starting to feel less like protection and more like a cage.

I wandered through the penthouse, restless. The sleek, modern furniture seemed so out of place against the rugged backdrop of the forest. Mark had brought me here to keep me safe, but ...