Chapter 63

At first, there was nothing. Just quiet.

It was not the kind of quiet Dan knew from the streets or from the long pauses before a trigger pulled.

This was heavier. It felt like the world had gone still, like he was trapped under water.

Then he heard it. A heartbeat. Not his own.

It was quick, light. Familiar. He followed it.

And then came her voice.

“Dan.”

It was not loud, not even a whisper. But i