Chapter 131

Emily’s POV

The front door slammed so hard the entire house shook.

Nathan was gone. And somehow, that hurt worse than him yelling would’ve.

The living room went completely still afterward. Nobody moved. Nobody looked at me for too long. I stayed frozen on the couch, my hands clenched tightly in my lap while Declan’s mark burned against my throat like poison. I could still feel Nathan’s eyes on it. Still feel the moment something inside him cracked.

Damn it… I should’ve been happy. I was home. Safe. Alive. But instead, it felt like I’d brought part of the rogue kingdom back with me.

Then suddenly, a desperate scream echoed from outside.

“Nathan, where’s Ryan?”

Beatrice.

My head snapped toward the doorway instantly.

She burst through the door, with Nathan right behind her.

“Please tell me you got him out too!” Her voice broke completely on the last word.

Nobody answered her. That reaction told her ever