The atmosphere inside Blackwood Manor shifted instantly.
Sebastian walked into his study without another word, Nathan close behind him. Elara followed, clutching the folded map in one hand.
Nathan placed several photographs on the desk.
"They were taken by our advance team less than thirty minutes ago."
Elara leaned closer.
The abandoned estate looked exactly as it had on the old map.
Weathered stone walls.
Broken windows.
An overgrown garden reclaimed by nature.
But one photograph drew her attention immediately.
Painted across the faded wooden front door in bright red letters were four chilling words.
GO BACK, ELARA.
Her breath caught.
"They... they know my name."
Nathan nodded grimly.
"The paint was still wet when our team arrived."
Sebastian's expression hardened.
"They
