Zarah's pov
I closed the door just enough to give us some privacy as I let her in.
My heart is still pounding in my chest. Rhoda was standing there, her eyes fixed on mine, and I was left grasping for some shred of countenance. I didn't know what to make of everything she'd said — about Damon being sick, about him needing me. It was too important to me, too important to deal with now.
I glanced back at the hallway.
Aiden's laughter had stopped, and for a moment, the silence was blaring.
" Keep your voice down, " I muttered, my voice slightly above a whisper. I wasn't sure if it was fear or frustration boiling inside me. " I don't want Aiden to hear about this. "
Rhoda nodded, her face softening as if she realized just how fragile the situation was. " I'm sorry, " she said again, her voice strained.