The night air felt thinner once they stepped outside.

The Blackwood house stood behind them, tall and illuminated, its windows glowing like watchful eyes. Rebecca had grown used to that sensation of being seen even when no one stood at the door.

Vincenzo unlocked the car without speaking.

Raya was already half-asleep against his shoulder, her small fingers curled loosely into the fabric of his jacket. He opened the back door carefully and secured her into her seat with slow precision, adjusting the strap so it wouldn’t press against her neck.

Rebecca watched without meaning to.

He closed the door gently, as if the sound itself might disturb something fragile....