Emily was momentarily paralysed at seeing Ava standing at their door. Blinking to attempt to make sense of the sight before her, Ava, the lady who had broken her confidence and participated in this horrible game, now resembled a ghost of her past. Her once-confident and calculated manner was replaced with a flimsy, shaking presence. Her lips pallid and chapped, as if she hadn't eaten or slept in days; dark bags hung under her eyes. Whatever had transpired to her since their previous meeting had obviously paid off.
First to breach the quiet was Daniel. His eyes narrowing in mistrust, he moved forward to block the door. "What are you here, Ava?" His voice sounded frigid, far-off, as if he could hardly control his wrath. Emily felt the strain coursing through him and went reflexively towards
