I walked away from him without looking back. I needed distance—space to breathe, to think, to keep the fury inside from breaking loose. But as soon as I reached the hallway, I froze. Max was standing there, right by the door, like a coward caught in the act.

He straightened up when our eyes met, the color draining from his face.

“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, my voice sharp and even.

He swallowed hard, his fingers twitching nervously. “I–I wasn’t listening. I came to tell you something.”

“Then speak,” I said coldly.

“There are men at the entrance,” he said, his voice trembling. “Clad in black....