Chapter 201

The morning after Amara’s first full day with them started differently than any other.

Alex woke to a silence that wasn’t heavy—it was expectant. It felt like the space itself was holding its breath again, but this time in anticipation, not in warning. The sun was just beginning to rise, spilling orange and gold across the walls, and for a moment, Alex simply sat on the edge of the bed, letting the warmth wash over them.

Amara had stayed the night. Not in Alex’s room, but ...