The sound of the front door closing echoes through Kady's apartment as Penny 23, Kady, Alice, and the others disappear to handle the field operations. I turn to Eliot, who's standing awkwardly in the middle of the room like a lost puppy in designer clothing. He's been clinging to me like a lifeline since we got him back from the Monster—constant physical contact, those three little words spoken like a prayer every time we part. But something's missing beneath all that affection. A secret he's keeping, weighing him down.

"You should help Q with the weapons," I say, nodding toward the stairs. Quentin's already disappeared up them, probably desperate for some alone time with his new mending discipline. Eliot tenses slightly, the subtle shift of his shoulders that only someone who's known him as long as I have would notice.

"Do I have to?" he asks, forcing a casual tone that doesn't quite land.

"Yes, you do," I reply firmly, though I soften my voice. "You two have barely spoken since... well, since you came back to us. It's weird, even for you drama queens." He still looks hesitant, those expressive eyes darting toward the staircase like it might bite him. I put a hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. "He misses you, El. We all do, but... you know Q. He'll never say it directly." That finally gets him moving, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips before he heads upstairs.

Julia appears at my side as I watch him go. "You playing matchmaker?" she asks, sipping her coffee with that knowing look demigoddesses get when they think they've figured you out.

"Someone has to," I mutter, turning toward the kitchen. "Those two idiots will dance around each other forever if someone doesn't give them a gentle nudge." We set up at the kitchen table, laptops open, preparing to coordinate with the hedge witches. Hours pass in relative silence, broken only by the occasional message or question about contacts. Eventually, even Julia's energy flags.

"I need a break," she announces, stretching. "You should too, Your Highness." I roll my eyes at the title but know she's right. My shoulders are tight from hunching over the laptop, and I need to check on our boys anyway."I'll go see what they're up to," I say, pushing back from the table. "Try not to start a revolution without me."

The apartment is quiet as I climb the stairs, the only sound my own footsteps. I reach the top landing expecting to hear the clink of metal or muttered spells—something to indicate activity. Instead, there's silence coming from the open bedroom door. Not just no sound, but the kind of weighted silence that feels like holding your breath. My curiosity gets the better of me, and before I can second-guess myself, I'm moving closer, close enough to hear...