The first fight with Lucian had ended, but the mansion felt far from safe. Every creak, every shadow, every gust of wind rattling the windows reminded Ares, Atlas, and the team that their father’s return wasn’t just a threat—it was a siege waiting to happen.

Alina sat on the edge of the sofa in the living room, Hope asleep in her arms, her eyes wide and restless. Her chest tightened with tension. She had watched the fight unfold from the basement earlier, her heart hammering in rhythm ...