Chapter 200

** Paige’s POV ** The walk to the cars feels tense. Everyone is quiet. Focused. Determined. Poppy marches ahead like a woman preparing for war, Jake shadowing her shoulder-to-shoulder, as if he thinks she might sprint off and commit homicide alone. Leo stays close behind, ready to intercept her if she bolts. Ryder walks at my side, not touching but close enough to steady me. Remy and Callen have flanked us, and Parker stays just a step behind me, making a protective triangle around me. We aren’t even in danger yet, and still they move as if the ground itself might open and swallow me whole if they don’t keep a shield around me. I try to keep my breathing even. I’m not scared, not this time. I’m… bracing. The closer we get to the cars, the more my skin hums. The glow under my flesh isn’t lighting up, but it’s awake. Watching and waiting, as if it knows what’s coming. Ryder notices immediately. “Paige?” he murmurs. “I’m fine.” “You’re humming.” “That doesn’t mean I’m not fine.” “It means