The healers arrived with Theodore and Xavier, their cloaks trailing against the stone floors as they crossed the courtyard. Their eyes scanned the estate carefully, alert in a way that spoke of both habit and unease. The tension was thick in Northridge, and even the healers could feel it as they walked toward Logan’s chambers.

The guards at the door straightened immediately, stepping aside to make way. The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the trio entered.

Logan rose from his chair the ...