Ava's POV

As Orion and Chloe pulled away, the engine's roar faded into the distance, leaving a strange silence behind. I stood there, the tension from the flight still coiled tight in my chest. My gaze lingered on the empty space they’d left, as if staring long enough could erase the hollow ache gnawing at my insides.

“Ava?” Mason’s voice pulled me back, gentle yet grounding. I turned to him, finding solace in the warmth of his hazel eyes. “You look like you could use some tea.”

I managed a small smile. “Is it that obvious?”

He chuckled, the sound somehow softening the jagged edges inside me. “Come on. There’s...