Page 46 of Crown of the Mist

Gray’s eyes narrow slightly, but he nods. “Fine. But you call the second something feels off.”

I glance between them, the weight of their protectiveness both comforting and suffocating. “It’s just work. Nothing’s going to happen.”

“You don’t know that,” Rhett says, his voice quieter now but no less firm. “Not after everything we’ve found out.”

The air feels thick again, the easy warmth ofdinner replaced by something heavier. I push back from the table, my appetite gone, and stand. “I’ll be fine,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “Thank you for dinner. It was... amazing.”

Without waiting for a response, I head toward the stairs, the weight of their worry pressing against my back. But in my chest, something else burns—a stubborn resolve.

I have to do this. To save enough to find a place for myself, free from my father’s shadow.

But as I climb the stairs, the warmth of their voices follows me, making me wonder if I’m running from more than just the past.

28. Bree

The truck smells faintly of leather and pine, a scent that’s both comforting and suffocating. Jace taps his fingers on the steering wheel, humming along to a song playing softly through the speakers. The ride is quiet for the most part, just the low hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio filling the space between us.

“You sure you’re ready for this?” Jace asks, glancing over at me as we pull out of the driveway.

I nod, clutching my bag a little tighter in my lap. “I’ve been ready, Jace. It’s just a shift. Nothing I haven’t handled before.”

His lips twitch, not quite a smile, but not full of doubt either. “Right. Just a shift. Nothing major at all. Definitely not your first time back after—”

“Don’t,” I cut him off, my voice sharper than Imean it to be. “Don’t make it a thing.”

“Fine, no ‘thing.’ Got it.” He holds up one hand in mock surrender, though I catch the way his knuckles tighten around the wheel as he grabs it again.

The truck hums along the road, the trees blurring into a sea of green as we head toward Maple Grove. The mist lingers at the edges of the road, curling lazily around the tires like it’s been following us the whole time.

“I’m just saying,” Jace starts again after a beat, his tone softer this time, “you could’ve waited a few more days. Let yourself settle a bit more.”

“I’ve had enough time,” I reply, staring out the window at the passing fields. “Too much time.”

My words hang between us, heavy and unspoken. Jace doesn’t push, which is surprising for him. Instead, he changes the subject, his voice lightening as he nods toward the dashboard.

“So, the first family dinner didn’t scare you off?”

I smirk despite myself. “I’ve survived worse.”

“High praise,” he says, grinning. “You know, if you play your cards right, I might just let you be the new reigning champion of ‘best curry.’”

I roll my eyes, but the banter eases the knot in my chest. It’s been like this with Jace since we werekids—his easy charm balancing out my sharp edges.

“Thanks for driving me,” I say after a pause, my voice quieter.

He glances at me, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Always.”

The mist thickens as we near the turn for Maple Grove, coiling along the ditches like it’s waiting for something. I catch myself staring at it, the way it seems to almost glow in the early morning light, and quickly look away.

Jace pulls into the parking lot, the truck rumbling to a stop. He shifts into park, turning to face me fully. “You’re sure you don’t want me to wait? I’ve got a showing not far from here, but I can swing back if you need a ride.”

“I’ll be fine,” I say, pulling on the strap of my bag. “You’ve already done enough.”

“It’s not about what I’ve done, Bree,” he says, his voice dropping. “It’s about making sure you’re okay.”

I swallow hard, the weight of his concern pressing against my chest. “I’ll be fine,” I repeat, forcing a smile. “Go sell your house.”

He studies me for a moment longer before nodding. “Text me if you need anything, yeah?”