James Donnelly, the head housekeeper, rushed into the room, breathing hard. His face looked pale.
“There are muddy footprints by the back terrace that lead toward the forest. They do not match anyone’s shoes here. We also found a broken latch on the nursery window.”
Preston stared at James without speaking. His voice was gone. His thoughts churned like storm clouds. His children clung to Annalise. Annalise looked like she would collapse if she loosened her grip.
Finally, Preston forced himself up. He knelt in front of Annalise and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you,” he said quietly. “You may have saved their lives tonight. I need you to understand that I recognize that.”
Annalise shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “I did what anyone would have done.”
“No,” Preston replied. “Not everyone would have had the courage to stay calm. Not everyone would have prioritized them before anything else. You did something extraordinary.”
Mikaelyn looked up at Annalise with trust etched across her young face. Masonel nestled closer, his breathing beginning to calm.