Chapter 36

Lake POV

The park seemed surreal after the violence of the alcove—joggers passing by, families enjoying the autumn morning, a group of students sketching near the fountain. Normal life, continuing as if my world hadn’t just collapsed around me.

I spotted Marcus immediately, standing near a vendor cart with his phone out, trying to look casual while clearly scanning the crowd for any sign of me. His posture straightened the moment he saw me, and I watched relief flash across his face before professional concern replaced it.

“Lake,” he said as I approached, his eyes already cataloging my appearance for signs of trouble. “Are you alright? You look—”

“I’m fine,” I interrupted, knowing my voice sounded wrong but unable to fix it. “Actually, I was wondering if you could take me to Ramon’s company. I’d like to see him.”

Marcus’s expression shifted to surprise. In the weeks we’d been living at the compound, I’d never once asked to visit Ramon at work. I’