The moment Alfred heard the guard’s words, something in him snapped into focus. He didn’t waste time asking questions or calming anyone down. He just grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the door.

“Stay close,” he said.

His voice was flat, steady, too calm. The kind of calm that comes right before violence.

I followed him through the hall, my heartbeat pounding against my ribs. Moonlight wasn’t speaking anymore. She didn’t have to. The fear sitting in my chest told me ...