The relief that washed over me was so intense that my knees nearly buckled beneath me. I pressed Ava closer, my entire body trembling as William's familiar voice filled the dim basement. The tension that had gripped me moments ago dissolved, leaving me weak with the realization that it wasn't Ferraro's men who had found us—it was William.
I looked up toward the shadowy figure at the bottom of the stairs, my breath still ragged, heart pounding. "William?" I whispered, barely able to speak, the fear still lodged in my throat.
He stepped into the light, his face tight with urgency, but his eyes softened as they met mine. "It's okay, Alice. It's just me."
I exhaled shakily, the panic that had taken root inside me slowly loosening its grip. Ava shifted in my arms, her small hands clutching at my shirt as she peered up at William, her innocent eyes wide and filled with confusion.
