Riley's POV
The storm hit without warning, transforming the city into a world of lightning and fury as rain lashed against the penthouse windows while thunder shook the building's foundations.
I was in the kitchen when the lights went out.
The sudden darkness made me freeze, my hands still gripping the edge of the marble counter. My breath caught in my throat.
"Riley?" Brett's voice called from somewhere in the darkness, echoing through the penthouse.
His tone was different. Concerned, maybe? That was new.
"I'm here," I called back, my voice steadier than I felt, feeling my way along the counter.
My fingers traced the cold stone surface, searching for something familiar. The darkness felt absolute, pressing against my skin like a living thing.
A beam of light cut through the black
