Marked by Passion and Pain

The door to our upgraded apartment clicked shut behind us, and I immediately felt some of the tension drain from my shoulders. Home sweet fortified home.

"This place looks like a palace now," I remarked, taking in the reinforced windows and new security system. The apartment had been completely repaired after the attack, with additional protective measures that made it feel like a luxurious bunker.

Rhys pulled out his phone. "I need to call my mom. She's probably worried sick."

I nodded, watching as he stepped into his bedroom, closing the door softly behind him. Silas and Ronan exchanged a look before Silas gestured toward the bathroom.

"We should probably get cleaned up," Silas said, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Been a hell of a day."

Ronan nodded, his copper hair falling across his forehead. "A shower sounds amazing right now."