Aubree’s POV
My legs were still shaky by the time I reached the east wing.
Carter had walked me all the way to my room, refusing to leave until he was sure my breathing was steady again.
Abel was out searching the property with Uncle Sebastian, and that only made my chest feel tighter—knowing he was out there, furious and protective and burning up with worry about me.
I needed space.
I needed peace.
I needed..Mom.
I found Mom in her usual spot the sitting room, curled up on the loveseat with a mug of tea, flipping through a baby photo album—probably one she’d dragged out because she was stressed.
She looked up immediately.
“Aubree? Honey?”
Her voice softened the second she saw my face. “What’s wrong?”
That was all it took.
My throat tightened, and fresh tears pricked my eyes.
