His voice muffled through the wood of the door. "Are you awake?"

Sophia's pulse spiked as she glanced at Julian, who had gone completely still, his eyes narrowed. Jude wasn't supposed to be here. Not now. Not like this.

"Just a second," Sophia called out, her voice shaky as she clutched the blanket tighter around her. Julian shot her a warning look, then quickly moved to the corner of the room, where he stood hidden in the shadows, his body tense and ready.

Sophia took a deep breath and opened the door a crack, just enough to peer out at Jude. He stood there, looking concerned but not suspicious. His...