*Silas*

I woke with a start, dawn’s first light glittering across my eyes. I looked out the window, realizing I had slept much later than expected. I had a duty shift, and I was more than a little late.

I jumped out of bed and threw on my uniform, my hands shaking with adrenaline and the urge to find Aaron. He was supposed to return last night, but I hadn’t seen him and was growing worried.

Perhaps he stayed up for another shift, but it didn’t matter. ...