"You weren't here," she repeated hotly, although her movements were not abrupt or hostile, she unwound Ella's grip from her arm. "She sent Shane after Dan--"
Ella!
Vaughn went very still as that panicked shout reverberated around the stairwell, retreating a step from Ella when Daniel came spilling into sight with anger and worry. She backed up a little more, mindful of the vines, and said nothing until Daniel's attention went to her.
"I-- no, Daniel, she is fine. I was just on my way upstairs and ran into Ella.." That was believable, right?