We move out fast.
Night air hits my lungs, cool and sharp.
The world feels too quiet.
Like it’s holding its breath.
Ace stays close.
One hand at my back as he guides me toward the SUV.
Protective.
Grounding.
Constant.
I glance at him.
“You always this intense?” I ask quietly.
His mouth twitches—just barely.
“Only when it matters.”
My heart does something stupid in my chest.
Because I know what he means.
I know who he means.
We’re almostto the vehicles—
When Blaze freezes.
“Wait.”
Everything stops.
“What?” Ace snaps.
Blaze turns slowly.
Eyes wide.
“Signal spike,” he says. “Close.”
“How close?” Trigger asks.
Blaze doesn’t look away from the screen.
“Too close.”
My pulse jumps.
Ace’s hand tightens on my back.
“Inside. Now—”