How long

Lily's hands trembled as she dialed Cage's number. The phone rang twice before he picked up.

"Hey, Lily," Cage's voice came through the line, deep and steady. "What's up?"

"Cage, I need to talk to you," Lily said, her voice cracking. She glanced around her dimly lit living room, feeling a gnawing sense of dread. "It's about Alex. I think he knows."

"What do you mean?" Cage's tone sharpened with concern.

Before Lily could respond, the sound of breaking glass echoed through her apartment. Her heart lurched into her throat. She spun around, her eyes wide with fear as she saw Alex standing in the doorway, a wild, paranoid gleam in his eyes.

"Alex!" she gasped, dropping the phone.

"Lily, what's going on?" Cage's voice crackled from the phone, but Lily was too focused on the immediate danger in front of her.