Roman’s jaw tightened the moment Eleanor announced the “sleepover.”

He didn’t flinch, but Tessa felt the shift in him — like a blade turning in its sheath.

Roman stood by the blocked front doors, hand still on the handle, jaw clenched so tight it looked painful.

“I’m not staying in this house tonight,” Roman said to Salima, quiet but firm. “Storm or not, we’re leaving.”

Salima touched his arm. “Roman, look outside.”

Lightning split the sky so violently that it lit the entire foyer in white. The wind moved through the trees, rain slamming the windows hard enough to rattle the frames.

His grandmother’s small, frail hand settled on his...