Lola's POV

The first day back felt wrong in the way that only real things can…not dramatic, just hollow.

My dad was alive but barely. The assassin was still out there. And the whispers followed me down every hallway.

Morgan was waiting outside my house when I came downstairs. Leaning against his car, holding two cups like it was any other morning.

"Hot chocolate," he said when he handed one to me. "Your favourite."

It was such a small thing. It made my throat ache.

He didn't ask if I was ...