Sage

I let myself into the house, the heavy door clicking shut behind me. The foyer was dim and silent—no lights on, no clatter from the kitchen, and no trace of Eve’s scent in the air. Just an empty space.

Where is she?

The day had left me gritty and tired. I had sweat dried on my skin, with my shirt sticking to my back from hours of meetings and patrol runs. All I wanted was a shower. I dropped my keys on the console, already tugging at my tie as I started up the stairs.

Then came the knock—three crisp, deliberate raps.

I paused, exhaled through my nose, and...