Vivian stepped off the bus and placed a hand on the cool metal frame.
Her body felt heavier than her thoughts could catch.
She stood there for a moment.
Her heartbeat pushed against her ribs like it wanted to escape.
Her bag strap dug into her shoulder.
It reminded her she hadn’t rested all day.
She inhaled slowly.
The air tasted like dust and old exhaust fumes.
She began walking down the street.
Her shoes tapped the pavement in a slow, rhythmic beat.
The night breeze brushed against her skin.
It felt colder than usual.
She kept walking toward the mansion.
Her feet moved automatically.
The house came into view.
Vivian’s steps faltered.
Every single window glowed with white light.
It looked like daylight was trapped inside.
She stopped.
Victor never left lights on.
She t
