I felt it before I understood it.
That sense you get when the air changes—not loudly, not dramatically—but enough that your body reacts before your mind catches up.
William had already left for the morning when it happened.
I was alone in the kitchen, sunlight spilling across the marble counter, coffee cooling untouched in my hands. The house was quiet in that way it only ever was when danger wasn’t supposed to exist anymore.
I was just reaching for my phone when it vibrated.
Unknown Number.
I stared at the screen longer than necessary.
Then I answered.
“Mrs. Williams,” a man said calmly. “Or do you still prefer Elisse?”
My fingers tightened around the phone.
“Who is this?”
A pause. Not hesitation—calculation.
“Someone who’s been watching you longer than Sophia ever did.”
My s
