But Ava needed to know the truth. “Snow,” I decided aloud, the name coming naturally as I approached her. Now, a small kitchen sat where the front door had appeared, complete with a fridge, oven, and stove. I held up the clothes with a bemused expression, glancing back at Melina. My monotony was shattered, my existence questioned—all in one night. Taking a steadying breath, I began cautiously, my voice quiet but deliberate. She didn’t know who he was, but for now, she accepted the truth Ava offered: he had saved them. She felt bone-deep exhaustion, despite just waking up, as if her very life had been drained. She glossed over some details: the mysterious house that seemed to shift at will, Cole’s uncanny strength, and the intimate moments she had shared with him. “Hey,” she whispered back, her voice still hoarse but warmer now. “I want you too.” leaving it at that for now. Unfortunately, I don’t know if you’ll be able to leave this place—if you’ll somehow be returned to where you were before you got
