Chapter 78. The One He Wants

Xerina’s POV

I turned and led Luca and Chrissy down the hall to where Lila was staying. My heart pounded in my chest, the reality of the situation pressing down on me. This was about to get a lot more complicated, and I could only hope that Luca’s presence wouldn’t scare Lila into silence.

When we reached the door, I paused, taking a deep breath before I knocked lightly. “Lila?” I called softly. “It’s me. Can I come in?”

There was a long, tense moment of silence, and I could feel Luca’s impatience simmering behind me. Finally, the door creaked open just a crack, and Lila’s wary eyes peered out at us.

“Who’s with you?” her voice trembling slightly.

“It’s just Luca and Chrissy,” I said gently. “They’re here to help. No one’s going to hurt you, I promise.”

Lila hesitated, her gaze flicking to Luca, who was trying his best to look non-threatening but wasn’t doing a great job of it. Eventually, she nodded and stepped back, allowing us to enter.<