Chapter 55

Adeline’s POV

The call still echoed in my ear, a command I couldn’t ignore. Every step down the corridor felt like walking toward a storm I’d once escaped. My pulse hammered so loud I was afraid it would give me away. The polished floor caught my reflection—blurred, double, the doctor’s mask and the woman underneath fighting to stay separate.

The hospital was never really quiet. Even at night there were footsteps, the hum of machines, nurses whispering in corners. Tonight the sounds pressed closer, like the walls themselves were listening. I tugged my scarf higher, sunglasses hiding the half of me I couldn’t risk showing, and walked faster.

Myra.

That was the only name beating through me. The only reason I was here.

At the end of the corridor, a familiar silhouette caught the light.

Vincent.

His back was to me, his voice low as he spoke to a guard. Broad shoulders, dark hair—his presence filled the hall without effort. The faint trace of cedar and smoke hit me first, cutting through d