Elena's POV

Blake’s house has always felt calmer than mine, but tonight it feels different in a way I can’t fully explain. Like the walls aren’t listening. Like nothing bad has happened here yet and maybe won’t if I stay long enough.

Fred is in the garage again, radio too loud, swearing at something that refuses to work the way he wants it to. Jane’s voice drift in through the open back door, laughing at something Max did wrong on purpose just to make her laugh. It’s normal, loud ...