Chapter 107

Emily’s POV

By the time I pushed open the door to the apartment, my head felt like it had been stuffed with glass.

Every thought, every memory from tonight cut me open from the inside.

The air smelled faintly of cinnamon from the candle Ava had burned earlier, though it was nothing compared to the sharp scent of tension waiting for me the moment I stepped inside.

Ava was curled up on the couch, her arms crossed, eyes fixed on the TV but I knew her well enough to see she wasn’t really watching.

The flicker of light painted her face, but her mouth was pressed into that thin, unforgiving line I’d come to dread.

Her head snapped toward me when the door clicked shut, and just like that, the silence between us cracked wide open.

“You’re late,” she said flatly.

“I know,” I murmured, setting my bag down by the door.

My voice felt raw, like I’d swallowed ash.

“You were with him.” it was not a question, I didn’t think it was e