Lilith’s Pov

Everything escalated too fast.

One second, she was just talking. The next, Nolan was right there—towering above me, polly and Emily, his voice firm, angry, dangerous. And she couldn’t explain the fear that crept up her spine. Fear because he caught her. Fear because she had no excuse.

“What do you mean I’m not allowed to leave the house again?” I asked, voice trembling, trying to keep calm.

Nolan’s jaw tightened. “We don’t have to argue right here.”

Emily slammed her hands on the table. “You see? You see what we’re saying?! He is the toxic one, Lilith. Not us. He’s trying to brainwash you! You didn’t remember...