Aria's POV
Portland smelled different. Cleaner with pine trees and rain instead of exhaust and concrete.
The safe house sat on ten acres outside the city—a modern glass and wood structure hidden behind tall fir trees. Security cameras dotted the property, their red lights blinking in the early morning darkness.
"It's big." Noah pressed his face to the car window as his breath fogged the glass. "Is that our new house?"
"For now, baby." I unbuckled him, my muscles stiff from the flight. The leather seat was cold under my fingers. "Just for a little while."
"How long is a while?" He yawned, rubbing his eyes.
"I don't know yet." I lifted him out. His weight felt heavier than usual. Or maybe I was just exhausted. The night air bit at my cheeks, sharp and damp.
Damien carried our bags up the stone pathway. Motion sensors triggered lights, bright and sudden. I flinched, my heart jumping.
