*Roanne's POV*

I sat on the edge of Lizzie's futon, knees to my chest, the fabric scratching against my bare skin. The air in the apartment was thick with tension and the remnants of fear, a stench that clung to us, unwelcome but impossible to shake.

“Aaron, I am so happy to hear your voice. Is Blake ok?”

I heard a grunt of pain, followed by Blake's voice. “I am sort of, ok.”

I felt the relief of hearing him safe, it meant all went well. “Blake! ...