Ruby's POV
"Elias!" The word escaped my lips in a breathless gasp.
"Come here," he commanded, extending his hand toward me.
Without a second thought, I rushed to him, allowing him to draw me against his chest. The moment his arms closed around me, every ounce of terror and worry that had consumed me during his absence simply evaporated.
I pressed my face into his shoulder, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. I was dangerously close to breaking down completely.
"I heard every word you just said, Bonnie," Elias's voice cut through the air like steel. Each syllable carried a lethal edge. "Something about Ruby needing to be ashamed enough to leave voluntarily?"
Bonnie's throat worked as she swallowed nervously.
For just an instant, I caught a glimpse of genuine fear flickering across her features.
