Riley's POV
Mason's arms wrap around me like steel bands as the paramedics burst through the door with Zoey on their stretcher. My best friend's face is barely recognizable beneath the swelling and bruises. The sight burns itself into my memory as they carry her past us toward the waiting ambulance. Her usually bright features are distorted by violence, and I can't look away even as the ambulance doors slam shut and steal her from my sight.
The sound of footsteps on gravel makes me turn toward the house. Caleb emerges with Silas and Jace, and the worry etched across Caleb's face cuts through me like glass. His dark eyes find mine first, then shift up to Mason, and I realize I'm trembling in Mason's grip. My body feels disconnected from my mind, like I'm watching this nightmare happen to someone else.
