Sera did not answer him. She didn't need to.
She rolled from the nest without hesitation, blankets sliding back into a heap. The book stayed open on its spine, the stuffie left tucked in the hollow of her pillow. The dire wolf stirred, stretching tiny paws before Sera scooped him up against her chest.
She crossed the room like she had already decided. No pause for closets. No hand reaching for coats, ropes, or packs. Just her, the pup, and the night waiting beyond the glass.
Alexei stayed on the ottoman for a breath longer, savoring the picture she made — candlelight turning her hair to something more gold than silver, the room thick with apples and cinnamon.
Psycho hummed in his chest, delighted.
She heard you. She accepts. Tonight you either run or you die.
