The room was thick with tension as Ethan, Chase, Ember, and I huddled together in the house. Outside, the night was cold and still—like frozen water—but inside, the pressure burned like fire.
“They’re going to question us the moment we step into the mansion,” Chase muttered, pacing back and forth. “I know Father. I know Grandfather. They’ll be on our necks. We have to come up with a good lie or we’re toast.”
“I already know I’m in deep trouble,” I said, sighing. “Especially for leaving without permission. Only the Moon Goddess knows what they must be thinking right now. We can’t just walk in and act like nothing happened.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they think I’m the beast,” I added with a short, dry laugh. I sat with my arms folded tightly. “Especially with my wounds healing too fast
