But even then, I had to look away. This was dangerous territory, not just for us, but for everyone we cared about.It was only then that I realized that a heavy silence had fallen over the cavern once more, thick and oppressive. Ophelia and Leonard had stopped their childlike play and were now tread
AvaA short while later, Chris, Leonard, and I stood dripping wet in the council room, forming a small puddle on the hardwood floor as we faced the stern gazes of the Elders.Elise, her silver hair pulled back into a severe bun, pursed her lips in disapproval and tugged her robe tighter around herse
AvaThe coroner’s grim face did little to ease the knot of dread coiled in my stomach as he approached, peeling off his latex gloves with a soft snap. Chris and I rose to our feet, wringing our hands nervously.“Well?” Chris prompted, his voice low. “What do we know?”The coroner’s jaw tightened. “T
AvaThe first thing I became aware of as I drifted back to consciousness was the unforgiving crick in my neck and the numb tingling in my legs from having fallen asleep in an awkward position. The second thing I noticed was the excruciating pain in my lower back, right where a spring in the couch ha
“Morning,” he murmured, his lips brushing the tip of my ear. “Need some help?”I turned my head slightly to peer at him over my shoulder, feeling myself bristle at his closeness. “Chris—” I began to tell him that we shouldn’t be so intimate, but the words died on my lips. No, I thought to myself. No
AvaThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as I set the tray of mugs on the kitchen table. Ophelia and Leonard shuffled over, looking a bit worse for wear after our late night; meanwhile, Chris lingered off to the side, busying himself with flipping pancakes on the stove—although
I glanced at the others, then nodded hesitantly. “Of course,” I said, standing. As we stepped out into the hall, I couldn’t help but notice the curious looks Ophelia and Leonard exchanged. But they didn’t say anything, and I was grateful for that.Once we were alone, Chris turned to me, his brow cre
AvaI stepped into the ballroom, my heart pounding in my chest. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the low thrum of music drifting in from the adjoining room. Everywhere I looked, beautiful women in extravagant dresses milled about with glasses of champagne in their hands, ch