Aurora’s P.O.V

They didn’t look back as Ashton gently pulled the door open for them. Maggie’s arm was around Avery, whose eyes were still swollen from crying. The soft shuffle of their footsteps echoed in the room like thunder in a cathedral—too loud for a moment that should’ve been hushed. No one said anything as the trio walked out, leaving behind the heavy silence and Caleb and Caroline.

My eyes met Caroline’s after the door clicked shut, and her expression was ...