AUTHOR'S POV:
(In Jay's room)
Jay stands at the window, gazing into the night. She's on a secret phone—no one knows about it. A cigarette dangles from her lips; she never smokes unless the stress claws at her.
"...That's all on Section E," the voice on the line finishes.
"Okay," Jay replies coolly. "Keep tabs on Kiefer and his brothers."
"Yes, boss."The call ends.
Jay sets the phone on the table beside her. She exhales a slow plume of smoke, eyes drifting shut as thoughts swirl.
JAY'S POV:
Silence crashes back in after the call. Outside, the sky drapes in deepest black, stars shimmering like whispered pleas to seize every fleeting moment.
I exhale smoke through my lips, the bitter haze curling into the chill. Memories flood me—the smiles, the laughs, the unbreakable bonds, the pure happiness. All shattered by a single promise.
I close my eyes. Cold air brushes my skin; the sharp sting of cigarette smoke clings to everything.
I will protect you, Kiefer. You and your brothers. From that monster. From the Watsons. From anything that dares hurt you. Trust me.
But to shield you, I must bury secrets. Secrets you're not ready for. Secrets that must held...