The forest swallowed sound the moment Scott stepped outside.
The air was cold and damp. He stood on the narrow porch of the cottage for a long moment, one hand braced against the wooden railing, his head bowed as he exhaled slowly through his nose.
He hadn't meant for it to escalate like that.
That was the lie he told himself first.
The truth was uglier: he had known it would. He had just underestimated how close Lily already was to breaking and he couldn't blame her. it wasn't easy to he cut off from everyone and everything for over a year while living in constant fear that she would be found.
Scott dragged a hand down his face and stared out into the trees. Somewhere beyond them, life went on. Parties were planned. Invitations were accepted. Ava was getting dressed, unaware of how many things could go wrong if she found out about Lily.
And Lily was inside that cottage, shaking, furious and terrified.
Because of him.
He closed his eyes briefly.
