Two days after the reveal, Lila stood at the edge of a gravel road in rural Vermont, staring at a rust-covered gate so overgrown it looked like nature was trying to swallow it whole. The wind brought the smells of damp ground and pine trees. Regan’s footsteps behind her kept her grounded in the moment.
The two days since she learned the truth about her brothers felt like they flew by in a rush. She spent long nights researching and making plans without much sleep. They'd packed minimal supplies and driven through the night, switching vehicles twice to avoid detection.
"This is it," she said quietly. "My father's ghost house."
Regan stepped beside her, his features sharper from exhaustion, eyes alert and scanning the perimeter with practiced efficiency.
"You're sure?" he asked, though h
