Chapter 165

Alyssa POV

When I wake up from a nap I didn’t even realize I took, the room feels...different.

Lighter. Quieter.

Nothing like the tense, heavy atmosphere from before.

I blink, my mind groggy as I try to piece together what happened.

The last thing I remember is arguing with King, then Gray explaining the plan while King rubbed my back. His touch had been so firm, so comforting, that my body just...gave in.

I don’t even recall falling asleep.

Wait.

My stomach clenches as I scan the room, my pulse kicking up a notch.

Gray is gone.

Zuri, wide-eyed and alert, is curled in Niko’s lap, gleefully banging

two wooden spoons together while Bluey plays on the TV. It’s Niko who looks the most invested in the show—brows furrowed, his gaze locked onto the screen like it’s the most fascinating thing he’s ever seen.

Before I can call him out on it, a deep, gravelly voice rumbles against me, sending a familiar thrill down