RHYS
The door was locked from inside.
I squinted my gaze, tilting my head. Why had she bolted the door from inside?
I let my hand rise slowly, deliberately as I knocked softly but there was no answer. “Clara.” I called, my tone low.
Silence.
My chest tightened. Was she upset? I had left her in the room all day. I had kept her in the dark about the danger lurking nearby. It was all for her own good. I'm only trying to protect her. She wasn't strong enough yet to be exposed to my dark world.
And then I heard it–
A painful whimper, then silence.
My breath caught as my eyes widened. “Clara!!” I called out, louder this time. But I was met with silence.
I didn't misheard. I was sure, even though I tried to force the negative thoughts clawing at me.
With a heavy kick, the door flew
