Ava woke with the strange certainty that today would be different.
She lay still for a few moments, staring at the pale morning light filtering through the curtains. Her chest felt tight, anticipation sitting there like an unanswered question. Damian would be home this morning. He had to be. They were supposed to continue visiting the places where Lily had been sighted. That was the plan, even if it hadn't been said out loud. He had told her he would go with her when she asked to go alone.
She pushed herself out of bed and dressed more carefully than usual, choosing something simple, something neutral. She told herself it didn't matter what she wore, that she wasn't dressing for him, but her reflection in the mirror suggested otherwise. She smoothed her hair back once, then twice, before forcing herself to step away.
Downstairs, the house smelled faintly of coffee and fresh bread.
