Elena’s Pov
I pushed open the study door and stepped into the low light from one lamp on the desk. The fire had burned down to red coals, so the room felt warm but still dark. Mr Thorn stood by the window with his back to me, his shirt sleeves rolled high like he had been pacing for hours.
He turned when the door clicked shut, and his eyes locked on mine hard enough to make my stomach drop. I opened my mouth to say sorry for whatever I did wrong, but he spoke first and his voice came out rough like gravel.
"You came," he said and took one step closer. "I told myself I would not text you again, but I sat here staring at the screen like an idiot."
"I saw the message and came right away," I answered and kept my hands at my sides so I would not fidget. "Is Clara worse or did something happ
