EMMA POV

The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Slow. Steady. Heavy enough to make my breath pause.

I stood by the window, my fingers cold against the glass. Hazel, Ethan favourite pet as I was told had been quiet since morning, but the jingle of her collar now came faster, sharper, mixed with those approaching steps.

I turned before I could think.

The dog came running through the corner, golden fur flashing, tail high. She was too fast. I stepped back, ...