Chapter 177

Alyssa POV

Sunlight spills through the windshield—thick, golden, warm. The kind of light that only exists in old photographs. I glance around, my heart thudding against my ribs like it’s trying to warn me.

I don’t recognize this neighborhood.

But somehow, I know exactly where we’re going.

King’s hand closes over mine on the console, his thumb brushing slow, gentle circles over my skin. His hair’s cropped shorter now. Neat. Controlled. His beard is dusted with gray.

When did he start looking so...tired?

“It’s gonna be okay, kitten,” he murmurs, his voice low and sure.

I bite my lip. “I know... I’m just nervous.”

Mason leans forward from the back seat, his hand curling gently around my shoulder. He looks the same—almost. Just that he’s wearing his glasses, which he usually only breaks out when he’s reading or too damn tired to pop in his contacts.

“Don’t be,” he says quietly. “Silas is dead. You’re safe. It’s time to come ho