Samuel knelt in front of Nathan and placed both hands on the boy’s shoulders.

“Listen to me,” he said quietly. “Whatever happens, Jehovah sees us.”

Nathan’s breathing was fast, but he nodded.

Sasha was already beside them.

Samuel offered a short prayer, not because there was time for more, but because there was time for that. He asked for courage, loyalty, calm, and Jehovah’s memory of them. The words were simple. They did not need to be anything else.

Then came the knock.

Not loud.

Heavy.

Official.

Samuel stood and went to the door.