The silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the faint hiss of the cigarette. Ace didn’t move. He just watched me through the smoke, his expression completely unreadable.

“I’m going to sleep,” I whispered, climbing into bed.

“No.” He flicked ash onto the floor. “You stay awake. If he finds us tonight, I need you ready to move.”

“How am I supposed to be ready? I don’t have a weapon. I don’t know how to fight.”

He reached into his waistband and pulled out a small, sleek knife. Held it out, handle first.

“Take it.”

My fingers trembled as I reached for it. The metal was cold and...