Orion’s POV

The sound was loud enough to silence the room, like a gunshot shattering glass. My instincts sharpened immediately. I glanced at Ava, who had gone still, her expression unreadable except for the flicker of something—fear, maybe, or suspicion—that passed behind her eyes. Chloe, for once, looked unsure, her bravado slipping as she clung to my arm.

I had entered the room, wanting to confront Ava about moving my things back to the room I shared with Chloe. Maybe, also apologize for hurting her.

I didn’t expect to find Chloe with her. But I did expect the disgust and fury underneath Ava’s gaze. Did she hurt herself? I thought...