Ethan went to the east wing at midnight.
He had told himself it was a routine check. The guards had reported strange sounds to him and as a Beta, he was doing his duty. He almost believed it.
Her door was unlocked. That was the first sign. He told her to always bolt her door and he’s sure she listened.
He pushed it open.
She was on the floor. Curled on her side with her knees drawn up and her face pressed against the cold stone. The hearth was dead and the room was freezing. There was a tray of untouched food on the side chair, some bread and an apple.
He crossed the room to her side and knelt beside her. Her skin was hot, too hot. Her breathing was shallow and rough, each exhale catching on something deep in her chest.
"Aria."
There was no response, he said her name louder but stil
