"We'll figure it out once we're on the move. But right now, we can't stay."
Jean nodded, then turned to Emma, helping her carefully to her feet. Emma winced but kept her jaw tight, leaning only slightly on Jean.
As they moved toward the exit, Logan fell back for a moment beside Jean, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. "Stay close to me. Whatever happens, don't let go."
Jean's fingers tightened around Emma's arm but her eyes were locked on Logan's, silently telling him. "I won't."
And with that, together, they stepped into the hallway, the air outside already heavy with the threat of what or who might be coming.
They moved quickly down the dim hallway, shadows stretching across the peeling paint of the walls. The air felt too still… as if holding its breath before the storm broke.
Henry took the lead, one hand steadying Emma, whose breaths came shallow and quick. He kept scanning every corner, every doorway they passed, as though expecting someone to jump out.
