They had traveled this path several times in recent weeks, always cautious and on edge. "But we need to be careful. We can't rush in without thinking—"
"Without thinking about what?" Ariella interrupted, her voice sharper than she meant due to her rising emotions. "About anger? About fear?" She shook her head and stepped back toward the dark fireplace, needing some space between them.
The vast emptiness of the study surrounded them. She focused on the ashes from the previous night's fire, feeling her frustration bubbling up.
"Those monsters tried to kill us and take our child. They would have succeeded if we hadn't escaped. I can't just hide and hope they don't find us. I refuse to live that way — I won't let Eleanor's life be ruled by fear."
Leo raised his hands in a soothing gesture. "I'm not suggesting we do nothing. You know I support fighting back," he said carefully. "But the way you speak sometimes, Ariella... it frightens me."
