Chapter One Hundred-Sixty Six

The air in the room shifted, charged with a new, tense energy.

Lucas's face darkened, his jaw clenched tightly.

"Karina?" he muttered, half to himself, half to Amira. The intimacy between him and Amira shattered instantly, replaced by a complicated mix of fear, guilt, and anger.

Amira pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with surprise and worry.

“What do we do?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Lucas took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Stay quiet," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. He disentangled himself from Amira, his expression hardening as he prepared to face whatever was waiting for him on the other side of the door.

Lucas started heading to the door and halted. He spun and gestured at Amira to go hide somewhere. She quickly grabbed her clothes and ran off, her footsteps light as she disappeared into another room. He exhaled deeply, trying to steady himself.

"Lucas, are you there…?" Karina's voice was tinged with impatience.

"Uh, I'm coming!" he ca