The door clicked shut behind your brother, and for the first time in what felt like forever, silence settled over the house.

No footsteps. No voices. No background chatter or closed doors creaking open when they shouldn't. Just you, standing in the middle of an empty living room, heart already racing like it knew what you were about to do.

You glanced at the time—early enough that we wouldn't have to rush. Late enough that the daylight was soft, gold spilling through the blinds like it was setting the stage for something sacred.

You didn't hesitate. Your fingers moved fast over the screen as you pulled up Riordan's contact. Just seeing his name sent a small jolt through your chest. You pressed call and held the phone to your ear.

One ring. Two.

"Yeah?" His voice—low, calm, and already laced with that stern edge that always made your stomach twist in the best way.

"Hey," you said, trying to sound casual, but your voice came out quieter, tighter. "It's just me. House is finally empty."

There was a pause. The kind that said everything without a single word. You could hear Riordan inhale, slow and deliberate.

"Give me fifteen," he said, and hung up.

You stood there for a second, phone still pressed to your ear. You felt your pulse pounding in places you could already feel Riordan in. Your lips curved into a slow smile. The wait was over.