|Theodore|
The rhythmic clatter of the train against the tracks filled the heavy silence. Across the aisle, Jeremiah, Lily, and a handful of their men sat quietly, their gazes distant, minds likely preoccupied with their own thoughts. On our side, it was the three of us—me, Carmella, and Camilla—along with my men stationed nearby, each absorbed in their own muted watchfulness.
I had taken a two-seater by myself, my body angled toward the table that separated me from the two women. Camilla sat closest to the window, Carmella nestled against her, her head resting gently on Camilla’s shoulder. The sight of her sleeping sent a tight pang through my chest.
Carmella had drifted off about an hour after we boarded, exhaustion finally pulling her under. I couldn’t blame her. She hadn’t slept at
