MARION

I could hear her phone ringing inside as I stood outside. I could’ve just walked in, but I was too tired. So, I leaned against the door and waited. After the fifth ring, she finally answered.

“Marion?”

“Open the door, Wildfire.”

“Why? Are you here?”

I didn’t answer. A moment later, I heard the soft thump of her feet approaching, then the quiet clicks of the lock. The phone was still to her ear. She ended the call and tilted her head at me, her eyes softening when she saw ...