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Damian has been quiet on our drive. Grave, even. When I asked if we could make one last stop in Ash Hollow before we fly out, he nodded without asking where. Since then, he’s followed my directions without a word.

My hands won’t stop fidgeting. Did my dad really give him the “if you ever hurt my daughter” speech?

He couldn’t have. My dad isn’t like that. He might be a little old-fashioned, but deep down, in his heart, he respects my agency.

We pull up in front of Sienna’s childhood home. It’s a sprawling house sitting at the end of a winding, tree-lined driveway. This place once felt grand to me, almost intimidating. But now, after over a month in the castle, it just seems…ordinary.

Life is strange. Experiences can change not just our minds, but our eyes too.

Damian shifts the car into park, and his fingers drum on the wheel. “Where are we?”

“Sienna’s house. I need to talk to her dad.”

His brows raise, but he doesn’t say anything. He’s probably waiting for me to explain, but I don’t want to.

I don’t want him to tell me I’m being silly.

“You need to wait in the car,” I say. “Sienna wouldn’t want… You need to wait in the car.”

His eyes flash. “The fuck I will.”

I let out a long sigh. There’s the familiar steel in his voice, meaning there’s no way in hell he’ll let me go in there alone.

I won’t waste my time arguing with him, and moments later, we’re standing in the foyer of the Morgan house. The housekeeper, Linda, a petite woman with streaks of gray in her hair, lights up when she sees me.

“Ava!” She yanks me into a hug. “It’s been too long, baby girl. Look at you. Still as beautiful as ever.”

I squeeze her. “I’ve missed you.”

She pulls away, her gaze shifting to Damian. “And who’s this?”

“This is Damian. He’s…a friend from Ashford.”

Linda’s smile is knowing. “A very good-looking friend. I hope he’s brave too, Ava. I assume you’re here to see Mr. Morgan?”

“Yes. I texted him earlier today to set up an appointment with him.”

Her expression tightens for just a moment. “Of course. Come this way.”

Damian shoots me a questioning look, but I just walk steadily forward as Linda leads us through the house. When we reach Mr. Morgan’s office, Linda knocks once before opening the door. “Miss Ava is here to see you.”

Mr. Morgan, seated behind a massive desk, barely glances up. “Ava. Nice to see you.”

I step forward, my shoulders squared. “I won’t stay long.”

Damian stays silent behind me, but his presence is like a storm cloud. What is he going to do when he hears what I have to say?

Mr. Morgan leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well? What is it this time?”

I take a deep breath. “I made a promise to your daughter, and I’ll keep it as long as she wants me to. But you should know that I’ve been keeping evidence. Pictures of her bruises. Cuts. The second she gives me permission, I’m going straight to the police.”

His expression doesn’t change. “So you’re a broken record, I see.”

I’ve given this same speech before, and as always, he’s unaffected. It used to bother me. Not anymore. I’ve learned that people who commit evil live in a dream world where everything they do is justified. It’s the only way they can function.

Strange that I’ve never thought of this as it applies to Damian.

When I glance at him, his eyes are on fire. He steps forward, his movements calm and deliberate, but there’s a tension in his shoulders. His presence fills the room, and even Mr. Morgan’s expression is wary now.