Chapter 26: Trapped in a Memory

Raine didn't let herself react. She wouldn't give Kairo the satisfaction.

But as she walked away, his words clung to her like a curse.

"Ghosts have a way of creeping up when you least expect it."

She shook her head. No. She had buried the past. It wasn't coming back.

Yet, that night, sleep didn't come easy.

A dream clawed its way into her mind—no, not a dream. A memory.

Blinding stage lights. A roaring crowd. Her name being screamed over and over.

Then—darkness.

A sharp gasp tore from her throat as she jolted awake. Her hands trembled. Her breath came in ragged pants.

That night. The night everything fell apart.

She pressed a hand to her chest, grounding herself. It was over.

A soft vibration snapped her back to reality. Her phone screen lit up.

Unknown Number: Still think you can outrun the past?

Her pulse spiked.

Then, another message.

Unknown Number: You're not the only one wearing a mask, Raine.

Her breath caught. What the hell did that mean?