Daniel’s hand closed around Riley’s arm and pulled her out of the room before she could dig her feet in. She went with him. She did not twist or shout. She just followed, her face set, her steps matching his down the hall.
Jacinta took one step after them. Her mouth opened to call Riley back. Then she saw the way her sister moved, no fight, no resistance, only that tight, resigned walk. Jacinta stopped in the doorway. She watched until the two of them turned the corner. Only then did she step back inside and shut the door.
For a second she stood with her back against the wood, eyes closed, heart still racing from the near miss. When she opened them again, Ethan was already sliding out from under the bed. Dust clung to his shirt. He stood, brushed his hands once, and looked at her.
Neith
