The flickering light of the lantern cast eerie shadows on the walls, adding to the tension that hung thick in the air. Ava paced back and forth, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and anger. She clenched her fists, trying to steady her breath, but her heart pounded loudly in her chest.
The figure from her past stood across the room, his face partially obscured by the dim light. His presence alone stirred up a maelstrom of emotions within her. It had been years since she last saw him, and now, here he was, holding the key to the puzzle that had haunted her for so long.
"You have no idea what you've done," Ava spat, her voice trembling with suppressed rage.
He took a step forward, his expression pained. "Ava, I never wanted to hurt you. You have to believe me."
"Believe you?" Ava's voice rose, filled with incredulity. "You left me to fend for myself! You disappeared without a trace, and now you suddenly reappear with answers?"
