Ava
I sat on the worn-out couch, staring at the rain-splattered window, lost in the haze of my own thoughts. The room felt emptier without Alaric's laughter, his warm presence. A soft sigh escaped my lips, carrying the weight of my sorrow.
Lucas, my steadfast friend, entered, concern etched on his face. "Ava, you've been carrying this pain for too long. We need a plan, something to focus on."
I looked up, my eyes meeting his. "But how, Lucas? Lilya... Alaric... it's all too much. And now, Damon? I trusted him."
He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "Ava, we have to be smart. We can't let emotions cloud our judgment. What do we know about Damon's operations?"
I pondered for a moment, recalling snippets of information. "He controls the eastern territory, right? Drug trafficking, e
