Chapter 81 - Ava or Chloe

Orion’s POV

The figure holding her was draped entirely in black—gloves, boots, even a mask covering their face. Only their eyes were visible, cold and emotionless as they bore into me.

Ava squirmed, her breathing uneven, her panic barely contained. A thin line of blood trailed down her neck where the blade pressed too hard against her skin.

“Let her go.” My voice was low, steady despite the storm of rage and fear roaring through me. “You don’t want to do this.”

The masked intruder tilted his head slightly, almost as if he were amused. He didn’t say a word. Ava’s wide eyes met mine, pleading silently.

“Stay where you are,” he finally said, his voice distorted, unnaturally deep. He gestured with the knife, pressing it closer. Ava flinched, a small whimper escaping her lips. “One move, and I’ll cut her. I mean it.”