Chapter 12

Elena's POV

I didn't sleep.

Even in Anna's guest room, with the door locked and the lights on, my mind kept racing.

Every sound outside made me flinch. Every creak felt like a step closer to something I didn't understand.

I kept checking my phone, expecting another message. Nothing came. Somehow, that made it worse.

By morning, I felt hollow.

Anna knocked softly and pushed the door open. "You okay?"

I nodded. Another lie.

"You're not going back there alone."

I didn't argue. I couldn't. "But I have to go pick up some clothes."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Anna asked.

"No, it's fine," I replied.

I had to go back to the house to get ready for work.

Callum called as I stepped outside. We were talking—nothing heavy, just catching up.

I walked toward my car.

Then I saw it.

A black box. Tied with a red ribbon. Sitting on the hood.

I stopped breathing.