CHAPTER FORTY ONE – IN THE VIPER’S PIT

Scarlett froze, her blood turning to ice. They were trapped, caught red-handed in the act. Clara's eyes widened in horror, a silent scream trapped in her throat. "We're… we're done," Scarlett whispered, her voice barely a squeak. "Done with what?" Clara hissed back, her voice trembling. "With everything," Scarlett choked out, panic rising in her chest. "Ava's here. We're caught." A strangled gasp escaped Scarlett's lips as Ava's voice echoed closer. Panic seized them both, their eyes darting wildly around the dark living room. There was nowhere to hide – furniture offered little concealment, and the open floor plan provided zero privacy. "Think, Scarlett!" Clara hissed, her voice barely a whisper. "There has to be somewhere…" Their desperate search landed on the half-open bedroom door leading to Ava's personal sanctuary. With a silent nod of agreement, they darted inside, the door swinging shut behind them just as Ava entered the living room. Pressing themselves against the cool