Evelyn was deep asleep. The name Avery, Lena's warning, Roman's desperate pleas—all of it faded into the dark. The weight of the day pulled her under until she was floating in a dreamless void. Then someone grabbed her shoulders.

“Evelyn. Evelyn!”

She stirred, her brow creasing. The voice sounded urgent and familiar. “Evelyn, wake up!” Her eyes fluttered open. Lena hovered over her, tears streaming down her face. Her lips were moving, but Evelyn’s mind was still clouded with sleep. She blinked several times, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.

“Lena… what’s wrong?”

Lena struggled to steady her breathing. “It’s Noah… he’s… he’s gone.” Evelyn stared at...