_Killian's POV_
The tension in the air was thick as I watched Mira trembling in my arms, frozen with fear. She wouldn’t move, wouldn’t even look at me. Her silence tore at me, a wound that grew deeper each second. I wanted to reach her, to tell her everything would be okay, but it was like she was trapped somewhere I couldn’t follow.
When it was clear she couldn’t stand on her own, I bent down and lifted her into my arms. She felt so small, so fragile. I cradled her close, hoping my warmth would be enough to calm her. “It’s okay, Mira,” I whispered, my voice low and gentle. “You’re safe now. I’ll take you back home.”
I glanced at Hayden and Pete, giving them a nod. “Let’s go. Now.” There was no time to waste.
We hurried through the main gate, where a guard stepped forward, his eyes nar
