Vael's POV
The morning felt heavier than usual, as if the very air in the apartment was thick with dread. I stood by the large living room window, arms crossed tightly over my chest, staring down at the street below. Max and Victoria waited professionally beside the reinforced car, their postures alert and ready. They were the best I could find, highly trained, loyal, and discreet, but even their presence did nothing to loosen the cold knot of fear twisting in my gut.
Behind me, I could hear Lirien humming softly in the bedroom as he got ready. The gentle, absent-minded melody should have brought me comfort. Instead, it only sharpened the ache in my chest. He was trying so hard to be brave, to act like everything was normal, but I knew the weight of the threats was pressing on him too.
