Page 32 of She Walks with Broken Things

ALARIC

The southbound trade was secured. Santo’s last known location confirmed. Awaiting your instruction.

My finger hovered over the screen. Awaiting your instruction. All I had to do—was answer.

One word.

One decision.

And it’d begin again.

The hunt.

The blood.

The end of it.

Daddy.

I closed my eyes. The sound cut clean.

Daddy, look at me.

My jaw tightened. I didn’t move. Didn’t let it settle. Didn’t let it stay.

Footsteps echoed down the hall. Rafe. Slower than usual. Heavier. Intent. I swallowed once, forcing the sound of her voice back where it belonged. Buried. Deep.

I swiped the message.

Deleted it.

I didn’t give orders.

I didn’t need to.

The air shifted as he stepped in.

Rafe.

His weight hit the floor harder than usual.

Controlled—but not calm.

“Mrs. Reid’s asking about the girl,” he said. “She’s made a list.”

I didn’t look at him. “Of course she did.”

“Food. Clothes. Bedding. Whether she needs half the room replaced.” He exhaled sharply. “I don’t know what you expect me to tell her⁠—”

Silence cut through the room.

Sharp.

Deliberate.

Rafe drew in a breath.

Held it.