Sally's POV
When I pivot around, Karl is already crouched on the floor in his human form, completely bare. He snatches the shorts hanging from a nearby chair and tugs them up his legs before rising to his full height, working his shoulders like they're stiff and sore.
His gaze finds mine immediately, sharp and focused despite the bone-deep weariness radiating from every line of his body. "Take a seat," he says, jerking his chin toward the stool at the kitchen counter.
My knees wobble, but I manage to make it over and sink down. Karl pulls out another chair and collapses into it, his spine still taut with leftover adrenaline that hasn't quite burned off. Moments later, Sean slides back into the room, claiming the seat next to mine. His leg brushes against mine beneath the counter.
The three of us remain quiet for what feels like forever.
The refrigerator's gentle whir fills the space, and my heartbeat drums loudly in my skull.
