They're coming for you

WINTER'S POV

The afternoon had come, but Rafael still hadn't returned.

I discreetly questioned Jude and Kendall about his whereabouts, hoping for answers, but both seemed reluctant to provide any. My suspicions extended to them; it felt like they knew where he had gone but were keeping it from me.

Back in the infirmary, Naomi remained unconscious, her breathing steady compared to the ragged state it had been in just hours before. Her temperature had returned to normal. I sat by her bedside, my gaze fixed on the fading wound on her body, unable to conceal the grimace that crossed my face. I held her hand, noting the coolness of her skin.

Despite my efforts to uncover the nature of her attack and the assailant responsible, I came up empty-handed. Rafael hadn't disclosed the identity of the people he had seen. All he mentioned was that he had encountered them, people who seemed formidable enough to deter any attempt to challenge them. That might explain why he chose to retreat and return