The storm arrived just after nine.

What began as distant thunder turned into heavy rain within minutes, wind pushing against the windows hard enough to make them rattle. I was in my room trying to read when the lights flickered once, twice, and then died completely.

The darkness was sudden and total.

I sat still on the bed, listening to the rain hammer the roof and the low groan of the house settling. A few seconds later I heard movement downstairs — Noah’s heavier footsteps, Liam’s quicker ones, the quieter sound of Jace moving through the hallway.

“Emily?” Noah’s voice carried up the stairs, calm but clear. “You okay?”

“I’m...