Hiding game

Regina’s POV

They said giving birth was the hardest part. They lied.

The hardest part was holding your baby while staring at a death threat written in elegant cursive on hospital-grade paper unsigned, unbothered, and soaked in the scent of power.

Nicholas barged into the room just as the nurse slipped out with a knowing look.

His shirt was wrinkled. His sleeves rolled up. His hands. Blood.

“Nicholas!” I gasped. “What—”

He crossed the room in three steps and dropped to his knees beside my bed.

“I’m okay,” he said hoarsely, brushing hair from my sweaty face. “But… he’s not.”

My chest tightened. “Elias?” He nodded slowly.

“Self-defense,” he said. “He tried to kill me. He failed.”

I swallowed. “The police?”

“The Keepers handled it. Covered it like a heart attack. No trail.” My body relaxed for half a second.

Then I remembered the note. And held it out to him.

He read it once. Then again.

And then the fire returned to his eyes..Hope was sleeping.

Which meant I had maybe twenty minutes befo