The Midnight Key

The howl faded into the night, leaving behind a silence that felt heavier than before. But no attack came. No unseen enemy descended upon them.

Not yet.

Selene had left before dawn, vanishing as swiftly as she had appeared. She hadn't said where she was going—only that she would return if she could.

Rene wasn't sure if she trusted her. But for now, there were no immediate threats. And that, at least, was something.

---

The morning was slow.

Rene sat near the window, absently twirling the silver pendant in her fingers. She could still feel the faint pulse within it, like a heartbeat. It unsettled her, but she couldn't bring herself to let it go.

Rena lay curled up beside her, still sleeping.

Adrian and Adriel sat on the floor across the room, playing a quiet game of strategy with carved wooden pieces. Their silver eyes flickered with sharp intelligence, though their expressions remained unreadable.

Lucien, as expected, had made himself comfortable on the couch, looking entirely too amused with the world.

Nyra, on the other hand, was sharpening her blade with a slow, methodical precision. She hadn't said much since Selene left.

The quiet should have been comforting. But it wasn't.

Rene sighed, breaking the silence. "How long do you think we have before they find us?"

Nyra didn't pause in her movements. "Not long."

Lucien stretched lazily. "Could be days. Could be hours."

Rene gave him a dry look. "Helpful."

Lucien smirked. "I try."

Adriel, without looking up from the game, added, "We will be ready."

Adrian nodded in agreement.

There was something oddly comforting in their certainty. The twins were still young, but they were sharp. Dangerous in their own way. And despite their cold demeanor, their loyalty was unwavering.

Rene smiled faintly. "Of course we will."

---

Later that afternoon, she took Rena outside.

The air was crisp, the sky a pale blue streaked with soft clouds. It was the kind of morning that felt normal.

Peaceful.

Rena reached for a falling leaf, her tiny fingers grasping at the air. Rene watched her with quiet fondness.

She wasn't sure how much of Selene's words were true. Maybe Rena was something beyond her understanding. Maybe she was never meant to exist.

But she did exist.

She was here, small and warm in Rene's arms, laughing softly at the way the wind played with her hair.

And that was enough.

For now.

---

Night fell too quickly.

And with it, the unease returned.

The pendant burned cold against Rene's skin. The twins were tense, their silver eyes flickering toward the shadows beyond the balcony.

And somewhere, in the distance—

A second howl.

This one was closer.

Nyra stood, her grip tightening around her blade. "Time's up."

Lucien grinned. "Finally."

Rene exhaled, adjusting her hold on Rena.

So much for peace.

To Be Continued…

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