Damon’s hand tightened on my shoulder, his fingers digging into my coat.

The footsteps on the wooden stairs were slow and deliberate.

My heart hammered against my ribs as I pressed Leo closer to my chest.

Leo remained silent, his small fingers pinching the fabric of my sweater.

“Stay behind me,” Damon whispered, his voice barely a vibration in the dark.

He reached into his jacket, his movement fluid and silent.

A faint click echoed in the narrow corridor.

The footsteps stopped just around the corner of the landing.

“Sir?” a deep voice called out. “It’s Marcus. The north exit is clear.”

Damon let out a slow, controlled breath.

He didn’t lower his hand, but the tension in his shoulders dropped slightly.

“Report,” Damon said, stepping forward.

“Two intruders detected on the lower perimeter,” Marcus said, his flashlight beam pointing down at the floor to avoid blinding us. “They fled toward the tree line when the alarms tripped. We have vehicles waiting.”

Damon turned to me, his face illuminated by the reflected light.

“We are leaving Copper Harbor tonight,” he said.