Zayn walked through the quiet, opulent corridors of the Carter mansion, Dylan’s choked retching a fading echo from upstairs. The Blackthorn guards, confused and uneasy, watched him like wary dogs as he passed. His mind, however, was not on their bewildered faces or Vanessa’s shattered composure. It was on Aria. Vanessa, in her desperate rage, was a cornered beast, and cornered beasts were most dangerous when they struck at what was most vulnerable.
Aria Carter is currently in her room. Guardian protocol: Active. No immediate physical threats detected. Emotional state: Disturbed but stable, the System reported, its voice a calm counterpoint to the storm brewing in Zayn’s chest.
He reached Aria’s door. It was slightly ajar. A faint, muffled whimpering sound escaped, followed by a harsh, gr
