The house was quiet.

Too quiet.

The sharp sound of the door slamming shut behind her echoed in the silence like a warning shot. Ava didn’t wait for Damien. She didn’t even glance back. She made her way upstairs, her heels clicking against the marble steps like a countdown to collapse.

Her fingers shook as she reached for her door. She twisted the lock behind her with finality, sealing herself in… or maybe trying to keep the world out.

The lights were off, but the moonlight spilled through the tall glass windows, casting a silver glow across the pristine room Damien had given her. A room that felt more like...