Chapter 95 - Locked In

Orion’s POV

Mason’s gaze darted between Ava and I, lingering on the handcuffs. His expression shifted—confusion melting into disbelief, then hardening into something sharp and unforgiving.

“What the hell is this?” Mason’s voice was cold, clipped. The flowers, bright and cheerful in his hands, seemed out of place now.

Ava stiffened beside me, her body taut like a wire pulled too tight. I could feel her pulse quicken through the chain connecting us, but I didn’t look at her. My attention was fixed on Mason.

“Did you lose something?” I said smoothly, my tone casual even as tension crackled in the air. I hooked a finger under the chain, letting the metal clink for emphasis.

“Orion,” Ava hissed, her voice laced with warning.

Mason ignored me, his eyes locked on Ava as though searching for answers. “Ava? What is this?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost pleading.