Chapter 123 - The Absence that Cut Deep

Ava’s POV

I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe Orion would turn a blind eye when we needed him most. The man who once claimed he’d protect me no matter what was nowhere to be found when my sister’s life hung in the balance. I clenched my fists, trying to focus on anything but the rage burning inside me.

*Flashback*

I was resting my head against the wooden frame of the old cabin when the phone rang. I almost didn’t answer it, exhausted from hours of running and hiding. But something in my gut told me I needed to pick up. The moment I swiped to answer, Rose’s frantic voice exploded through the receiver.

“Ava! Holly’s gone! She’s not in her room, and the guards—oh my God, the guards are out cold!”

Panic gripped me like a chilling cold, freezing my body. My mind couldn’t process her words, couldn’t understand how this was even possible. For a moment, all I could hear was the sound of my heart pounding in my ears.