Chapter 6 - THE HOUSE IN THE MOUNTAINS

The drive took four hours through rain and darkness. James led the way, his taillights a steady red beacon through the storm. I stayed close behind, my eyes straining against the black windshield wipers thrashing back and forth. Olivia fell asleep in the backseat within an hour, her head resting against Lily’s. Lily stayed awake longer, watching the dark trees rush past, clutching her rabbit tight.

We climbed higher as we went. The air grew colder. The road narrowed to a winding strip of asphalt clinging to the mountainside. Finally, James turned onto a gravel track barely visible beneath overhanging branches. We bumped along it for another mile before emerging into a clearing where a small, sturdy stone house stood beneath towering pines.

James got out and opened the garage. I pulled inside. The door rumbled shut, cutting off the rain and wind. Silence fell—warm, dry, safe silence.

We stepped out of the car. James switched on lights. The garage was spacious, clean, stacked with supplies.

"Welcome," James said quietly. "Home for now."

We went inside. The house was modest but solid. Stone floors, wood walls, a large stone fireplace, simple furniture. No luxury. No pretension. Just shelter.

"Bedrooms are upstairs," James said. "Two of them. Girls can share one. You can take the other. I’ll sleep on the couch down here."

"James—"

"It’s the best place for me," he said firmly. "Near the door. Near the windows. If anyone comes… I see them first."

I didn’t argue. I knew better than to try changing his mind.

We got the girls settled. They were exhausted. Olivia barely opened her eyes when I tucked her in. Lily grabbed my hand before I could leave.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, love."

"Will the bad people find us here?"

I brushed hair from her face. "No. This place is a secret. Only James and I know where it is. So sleep well. You’re safe."

Lily nodded, her eyes drifting shut. I kissed her forehead and slipped out.

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Downstairs, James was standing by the front window in the dark, staring out through the curtains.

"James