Aiden Knight's POV
I burst through the door of Clara's apartment, and the sight that greeted me made my blood freeze. The pristine living room was destroyed. Overturned furniture lay scattered across the floor. Dark crimson stains marked the cream-colored carpet. The acrid smell of violence hung heavy in the air.
"You're too late."
The voice came from behind me. I spun around to find Clara's mother sitting in the only chair that remained upright. Her usually immaculate appearance was disheveled. Her eyes were red-rimmed from crying, but now they burned with fury.
"Mrs. Vance." I stepped toward her, but she held up a trembling hand.
"Don't. Don't you dare come any closer."
"I'm going to find her. I'm going to bring her back."
"With what?" She stood, her voice rising to a shout. "You promised me you would protect her! You swore to me that no harm would come to my daughter!"
