THIRD POV
Helen did not wait for morning to settle properly into the house.
There was no pacing outside the chambers this time, no hesitation at doorways, no second thoughts about timing or propriety. She simply moved—decisively, with a clarity that came from a night of no sleep and a mind that refused to rest.
The corridor leading to Alexander and Faye’s chambers was still quiet when she arrived. Most of the house remained asleep, the kind of early morning silence that usually meant peace. But Helen carried none of that peace with her.
She lifted her hand and knocked.
Once.
Then again.
Firm enough to be heard.
Inside, movement followed almost immediately.
A pause.
Then the door opened.
Alexander stood there.
Not fully alert yet, but already shifting into awareness the moment h
