Chapter Eighteen: My Worst Fear

Ava

I climbed the path to my Boston, Massachusetts, studio apartment, letting out a frustrated sigh as the day was unusually warm for late September.

I had just left Lucas' pack when I realized how many emotions were battling inside me. Over my head, I could hear the rustling of the leaves and a quiet chorus of whispers from the trees that seemed to reflect the same confusion I felt in my head.

I arrived at the front door with heavy footsteps and pushing it open, I was greeted by the familiar scent of our cozy living room—a mixture of the vanilla candles my mother loved and the faint aroma of the homemade lasagna she most likely made last night.

The warm atmosphere in the room stood in great contrast to the unsettling reality that had just rocked my world.

"Where have you been, Ava?" My mother asked, her voice sharp with concern and laced with frustration.

I winced, surprised for a split second. Although I had anticipated this, her directness and obviously irate tone still hit me