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That’s when I see Nico still as stone by the door. His phone is pressed to his ear. He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t move. His entire posture goes from watchful to ice-cold.

My stomach twists. “Nic?” I ask.

He holds up one finger, then slowly lowers the phone and meets my gaze.

His voice is low. Sharp. Final.

“We have to go. Now.”

I’m already on my feet, adrenaline slamming back into my bloodstream like a fist.

“What is it?” I demand. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Joey,” Nico says. “Laney called. They’re at the hospital. He’s swelling. Not responsive. They’re trying to stabilize him.”

Everything drops out from under me. “Fuck.” My chair scrapes loudly against the tile as I surge forward. “Let’s go.”

Reggie makes the mistake of trying to follow. “Eddie, we should—”

Nico steps in front of him, solid and unshakable. His voice is calm. That’s what makes it deadly. “Back the fuck off,” he says, quiet enough to chill the room, “if you want to keep breathing.”

Reggie stumbles back, hands raised, eyes wide.

He believes him.

Everyone does.

I’m already out the door, heart thundering in my chest, barely hearing the sound of my boots slamming down the hallway floor as Nico dials.

“Get the plane ready,” he barks into his phone. “Wheels up in thirty. File the urgent clearance.”

He slides the phone back into his pocket, moving at my side in long, purposeful strides.

“Is he—” I choke on the question. “Is Joey going to be okay?”

“Laney said they’re doing everything,” Nico says. “Lucas is with him. Sam too. Laney stayed to wait for us.”

“Jesus,” I whisper, pushing harder toward the exit. “She was supposed to be watching the show.”

“She probably was,” Nico says, glancing at me. “Then her world cracked open.”

The doors burst open ahead, night air hitting me like ice as we tear down the back hallway and out the emergency side entrance where the SUV is waiting, Nico’s driver already in the seat, engine running.

I climb in, my muscles shaking and my eyes burning.

And in the silence between Nico’s calm orders and the roar of the city around us, all I can think is—

I was out there saving the world.

And the people I love most were falling apart.

The roar of the jet’s engines hum beneath my feet as we board. The interior is all muted luxury—cream leather, low lights, polished wood—but none of it registers. I toss my jacket onto the bench seat and pace while Nico gives instructions to the pilot, already strapping in across from me.

We’re cleared. The wheels will be off the ground in under ten.

But that’s ten too long.

I pull out my phone. My hands are shaking as I scroll to her name. My throat’s dry. Every breath feels shallow, like my chest won’t expand the whole way.