Bloom barked like the world was ending.
Sharp, frantic yelps as she clawed at the front door, nails clicking hard against the polished wood. My heart thudded against my ribs as I froze where I stood, Liam’s body stiff a few feet away.
Then came the knock. Slow. Measured.
And a woman’s voice. Soft. Familiar in a way that made the hairs on my arms stand.
“Liam?” The voice cracked, as if weighed down by tears. “It’s me. Please… I just need a minute.”
I turned my head sharply toward Liam. He didn’t move, didn’t breathe, didn’t blink. His face went blank, that careful mask he wore when he didn’t want anyone especially me to know what he was feeling.
“Who is that?” I whispered.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he walked toward the door, his steps heavy, Bloom bouncing back with a low growl as i
