Chapter 67

** Ties That Bind**

The hurried energy in the house was palpable. Every movement felt sharp, tense, as Claire and Ethan packed the last of their bags. The looming deadline of 24 hours gnawed at them, but there was a faint hope now—Michael’s contact had promised a way out. Two hours. They just had to hold it together until then.

Claire moved from room to room, double-checking the essentials: birth certificates, passports, a handful of keepsakes that couldn’t be left behind. The weight of each step felt heavier than usual, as though the air had thickened around her, constricting her movements. She could feel the clock ticking in her head, like a countdown echoing in every corner of the house.

Ethan had gone out to check the car, making sure that everything was ready in case they had to make a quick getaway. Meanwhile, Claire was finishing up in the kitchen, her hands shaking slightly as she zipped up the final bag.

Just as she finished, she heard the faint sound of voices from upstairs.