The drive back to Ashford Manor was unusually quiet.
Rain drummed softly against the windshield.
The windshield wipers moved in a slow, steady rhythm.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Liora stared out the window.
The folded note rested inside her coat pocket.
She hadn't told Caelan.
Not yet.
She wasn't sure why.
Maybe because she didn't understand it herself.
Or maybe...
She was beginning to fear every answer.
---
Caelan glanced at her.
"You've barely spoken."
"I'm thinking."
"About the woods?"
She nodded.
"So am I."
Silence settled between them again.
---
When they arrived at the manor, Mrs. Agnes welcomed them with a warm smile.
"There you are."
"I was beginning to think the lake had stolen you."
Liora forced a smile.
"It almost did."
Mrs. Agnes looked between t
