Naomi’s Pov

The warehouse loomed over us like a giant holding its breath. The metal walls were streaked with rust, the windows blacked out with grime. Even the moonlight seemed afraid to touch it.

Mara finished looping the cameras and gave a tight nod. “We have three minutes before the system overrides. Move fast.”

Rubio crouched low, slipping ahead to check the corner. Cassian stayed right beside me, not behind me, not in front, right there, close enough that our shoulders almost brushed.

I could feel the tension humming off him.

It wasn’t anger.

It wasn’t impatience.

It was fear quiet, controlled, and directed entirely at me.

I whispered, “Cassian,...