BOOK 1 [with seasons 1 & 2]
Aurora "Rory" Routledge is not just your average Outer Banks teen-she's John B's twin sister and the perfect partner-in-crime for summer adventures. Alongside their tight-knit group of best friends-JJ, Pope, and Kie-the R...
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me Oh, stand by me Won't you stand by
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Third Person Perspective~
AS they walked into the Chateau, Rory's mind was racing. She hadn't even realized when she let go of JJ's hand, her fingers slowly slipping away until his touch no longer grounded her. She moved automatically, her feet carrying her toward the kitchen as her thoughts spiraled out of control.
The frown on her face felt permanent, like it had been etched into her skin and stitched there. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake it. She couldn't calm down.
She hated this—this never-ending hunt, the cycle of searching for treasures and making dangerous enemies along the way. The adrenaline that once thrilled her now felt like a weight pressing on her chest. They'd barely made it out alive the last time, and now they were jumping back into the chaos again.
The Kooks, the Pogues, the endless battles between their worlds. Pope's family legacy was at stake, the historical discoveries that they were unraveling threatened by anyone with a desire for power.
Then there was Sarah. Topper. And, of course, Rafe.
The encounter they'd had just moments before in the backyard of her own house—her sanctuary—had shaken her. Her mind couldn't stop replaying it, every detail replaying in an endless loop as Limbrey's goon threatened their lives for a key.
She opened the fridge, feeling the cool air brush against her skin as she rummaged inside, hoping for some kind of distraction. She grabbed a bottle of chilled water, clutching it tightly as if it could somehow ground her.
"Lili..." JJ's voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she flinched slightly, startled. For a moment, she'd forgotten he was still there, his presence a soft glow in the background of her anxiety. He moved closer to her, his voice soft and steady. "Hey, calm down, baby. I'm here. I'm right here."
Rory exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "No, JJ, I can't calm down. That bastard could've shot you!" Her voice trembled, wide eyes filled with fear as she looked at him, desperate to make him understand the terror that still gripped her chest.
JJ's brow furrowed as he stepped in even closer, his hand gently reaching for hers. "Rory, what's really going on? Something's eating at you. I can feel it," he said softly, his voice a steady anchor in the storm raging inside her.
Her shoulders slumped, and for the first time that night, she allowed herself to really look at him. The way the warm golden glow of the lights inside the house illuminated his face, casting soft shadows across his features. His ocean-blue eyes searched hers, filled with concern, with love.
"I'm scared, Jay," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
JJ's thumb brushed against her knuckles, grounding her. "Of what?" His voice was gentle, coaxing her to let go of whatever was weighing her down.
