Shadows of Captivity
Bella's POV
The day had been grueling. My mind was still reeling from everything Sam and I had uncovered. Each new revelation felt like another piece of a dark puzzle, with edges sharp enough to cut. I barely noticed the cool evening air as I left the hospital, my thoughts consumed by the storm of events.
I gripped my phone tightly, ready to text Sam and tell him I'd made it to the car. The parking lot was eerily quiet, lit only by the flickering glow of overhead lights. The sound of my heels clicking against the asphalt seemed unnaturally loud in the silence.
Then it hit me with a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, like someone's eyes were on me.
I froze, glancing around. The shadows stretched long and menacing, but the lot seemed empty.
It's just your imagination, I told myself, quickening my pace toward my car.
But the feeling didn't go away. If anything, it intensified.