Sophia’s POV

Candace?

A lump instantly forms in my throat. I release a shaky breath as my eyes drop to the tulips in my embrace.

What’s this? Another way to attack me?

“I’ll go get a vase,” Ava says with excitement, turning to leave.

“W-wait.”

She stops.

My heart races. The urge to throw the flowers to the ground causes air to tangle in my throat. I lift my eyes to Ava, and her brows draw together.

“Is everything okay?” She questions, turning back toward me. “You look ...