Aria's POV
"Do you really think locking the doors is going to stop them?" I asked, arms crossed, watching Damon stab commands into the glass panel with controlled urgency.
My heart pounded—locks didn't stop betrayal, and whoever took Lila already knew our codes.
Every lock clicked in unison, sealing us inside the penthouse like a tomb. Damon didn't glance up—his jaw was granite.
"I'm not taking chances, Aria," he muttered. "They got to Lila again. That means betrayal. Inside. Someone we trust."
"A fortress," I echoed, bitterness curling my voice. "Or a prison?" The walls didn't feel safe. They felt suffocating.
Damon looked up, his stare loaded with pain. "You think I want to cage you?" His voice cracked ever so slightly.
"I think I want answers," I shot back. "Because somehow, everything we did to protect her… failed."
Ding.
The elevator bell sliced through the room like a blade. My heart skidded into my throat. We both froze instantly.
