Burning the house down

★★★★

Layla's breath hitched as she stepped back, half-hidden behind her mother, a soft, terrified whisper escaping her lips. "Damon Colley..."

Kesha’s heart pounded in her chest, the sight of armed men in her home sending a surge of icy fear through her veins. She tried to keep her voice steady, to muster any semblance of authority, but the fear was palpable in her tone. "Who are you people? And why have you barged into my home with guns drawn?"

Damon’s eyes were cold, filled with a fury that cut through the air like a knife. "Where is she?" His voice was low, almost a growl, but it carried the weight of a deadly promise.

Kesha's hands trembled slightly, but she squared her shoulders, trying to hold onto her composure. "Who are you talking about? We don't know anything!" Her voice wavered as she tried to appear strong, though the fear that gripped her heart was almost overwhelming.

Damon’s expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "If you waste another second lying to me about