LUCAS
Ava's presence in my room was unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome. I had been wrestling with my own thoughts since the confrontation with Lilya, and her perspective might shed some light on the situation.
"Ava," I greeted, my voice heavy with the weight of recent events. "What brings you here?"
She glanced around the room, her gaze finally settling on me. "I heard you're planning to leave. I had to come and talk to you."
I nodded, not surprised that news had traveled so quickly. "Yes, I am. There's nothing left for me here."
Ava's eyes bore into mine, searching for something. "Lucas, you can't just give up. Lilya needs you, now more than ever."
I let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing off the walls. "Lilya made it abundantly clear that she wants nothing to do with me. She
