I stayed silent after leaving the prison, and Ashton didn’t push me. He could sense I wasn’t ready to talk.

When the car finally stopped, he pulled me into one of his warm, signature Ashton-style hugs, his hand gently stroking my hair. "If something’s eating at you, just say it. Keeping it in will only make it worse," he murmured softly.

"How can someone’s life be ruined so completely? Selene... she deserves to die," I mumbled into his shoulder, my voice ...