Chapter 79: When the Windows Shatter

For a few careful minutes, the world looked almost ordinary.

The blast destroys the inn's new east wing but leaves the historic structure standing. Lucy and Eleanor are safe across town.

Adrian understood that the next choice would be remembered long after the explanation. For years Claire had translated Adrian's absence into excuses. Now she watched actions instead, and Adrian understood that no speech could shorten the distance he had made.

Claire grieves the work, then surprises Adrian by laughing when the old weather vane remains upright.

"It is still here. So are we."

Desire moved between them like weather: undeniable, changeable, and no longer mistaken for a promise.

Police find Marcus's wrecked car, but no body.