A sudden, frantic knocking cut Jethru off mid-sentence.
The sharp, hurried raps shattered the stillness of the house, their urgency undeniable.
Everyone froze.
Jethru's muscles tensed like coiled steel. Beside him, Lara's fingers twitched toward the dagger strapped to her waist. Reya and Sandoz exchanged wary glances, while even little Omega, mid-bite, sat frozen, her wide eyes darting to the door.
A gust of wind rattled the wooden shutters, the house groaning in protest.
Then—another round of pounding. More forceful this time.
Whoever was outside wasn't just knocking. They were demanding entry.
Lara moved first, her footsteps soundless as she approached the door. The hinges groaned as she wrenched it open just in time—any later, and it would have splintered under the assault.
