Chapter 45 - One Crack at a Time

Orion's POV

Ava's voice sliced through the calm like a knife, and I could feel the warmth I’d so carefully built around Holly begin to dissolve in an instant. Holly's smile faltered, and confusion clouded her eyes as she looked from Ava to me and back.

I slowly let go of Holly's hand, trying to mask the unease creeping up my spine. My face fell into a practiced expression of surprise, though I could feel the familiar tension building in my chest. This was just what I wanted.

“Ava,” I said, forcing a note of confusion into my voice, as if I hadn’t been expecting this. “I didn’t know you were coming. I’m sorry if—”

“Spare me,” she cut in, her voice cold and sharp.

Her heels clicked on the floor as she strode toward us, each step deliberate and purposeful. The sound echoed like gunshots in the room.