Chapter 269

Chapter 269

The wait outside felt endless.

Every second stretched thin, sharpened by the muffled sounds beyond the door-hurried footsteps, clipped instructions, the faint rise and fall of voices working in practiced urgency.

Ashton stood still. Too still. His eyes never left the door.

Until-It opened.

“You can come in.” Lia’s voice was steady, controlled.

Ashton didn’t wait. He moved instantly, pushing through the doors-but he wasn’t alone. Alek, Lucy, and Xander followed close behind, their presence quiet but deliberate. Ashton barely registered it. His entire world had already narrowed to one thing.