Annabelle spun around, her heart pounding in her chest. There he was—Sebastian. He stood a few feet away, his hands shoved into the pockets of his dark jacket, his expression unreadable. He looked different—tired, almost haunted, as if he hadn’t slept in days. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by something sharper, more intense.
“Sebastian,” she breathed, her voice trembling. “Where have you been? What’s going on?”
He took a step closer, his eyes scanning the area as if checking for anyone who might be watching. “I can’t stay long,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “But I needed to see you. There are things you need to know, Annabelle. Things Derek’s been keeping from you.”
Annabelle’s stomach twisted. She took a step back, her arms wrapping around herself as if to shield her from
