Maddie POV
Now dressed in my usual simple clothes, I stood in the center of the room, my gaze darting between my mother and Averie. Their expressions were a mix of concern and defiance; their reluctance to stay behind was as palpable as the tension hanging in the air.
“You’re staying here,” I said firmly, crossing my arms to keep my hands from trembling.
“Maddie, no,” my mother said, her voice sharp with worry. “We don’t know who that man is. You can’t go down there alone.”
“I won’t be alone,” I replied, nodding toward the door where Stephen and Derek waited. “They’ll be with me. But I need you and Averie to stay here, lock the door, and don’t open it for anyone.”
“But-” Averie began, her tone pleading.
“No!” My voice cracked, but I didn’t care. “Please, just do this for me. I c
