Pov: Asher.
The hallway was quiet when Asher stepped inside. Only the low creak of floorboards beneath his boots reminded him he wasn’t alone. Ember stood by the window, holding Caelen in her arms. The baby cooed softly, unaware of the weight settling over the room.
Asher closed the door behind him and ran a hand through his hair.
“You’re late,” Ember said without looking back.
“I had to speak to Lark.”
She finally turned, brows knitting together. “Again?”
Asher nodded. “He’s not giving anything solid… but this time, it felt different. He said Aiden’s already here. In the Peak.”
Ember’s eyes narrowed. “Here? As in—”
“Among us,” Asher finished. “He said we’re surrounded by wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
She shifted Caelen to her hip, visibly bristling. “That’s vague enough to drive anyone mad.”
“I know. I asked for names. He wouldn’t give me one.”
“Because he doesn’t have them. Or because he wants you paranoid.”
“I’ve been thinking about it all the way home. We’ve been so focused on out
