(Almira’s POV)
The best way to catch a snake is to make it feel safe in the grass.
So I pretend. I act like I’m softening. Like I believe Rachelle’s cooing and concern. I start inviting her more often to “bond” with the twins. I don’t hover—but I watch from a distance. I let her think she’s winning.
Mid and I set everything carefully.
We pick a day when Damon is out with the border patrol. The pack house is quiet. The kids are painting in the garden. I leave a worn leather journal on the garden bench—the one that supposedly contains notes about the twins’ powers and some fake “ritual symbols.”
It’s bait.
Rachelle arrives exactly on cue.
“Almira,” she says, all sweet and surprised. “You’re letting them paint outside alone now?”
I smile. “They’ve been so calm lately. I think it helps
