Meet me at the moon

Shadows and secrets

Episode 3: Shadows and secrets

Ethan arrived at Jenny's party, feeling like a fraud. He was greeted by a sea of unfamiliar faces, all dressed to impress. The music was loud, and the air was thick with laughter and gossip.

Jenny spotted him and rushed over, a bright smile plastered on her face. "Ethan! You're here!" She handed him a drink, her fingers brushing against his.

Ethan took the drink, feeling a pang of guilt. "Thanks, Jenny."

Jenny leaned in, her voice barely audible over the music. "I want you to meet some people."

Ethan nodded, following her through the crowd. They stopped at a group of kids, all of whom seemed to know each other.

"This is Ethan," Jenny said, introducing him like a prized possession.

The group welcomed him, but Ethan felt like an outsider. He excused himself to grab another drink, ending up at the bar beside Mira.

Mira raised an eyebrow. "You made it, then."

Ethan leaned in, voice low. "What did you mean earlier? How did you know about... us?"

Mira's expression was cryptic. "I know things, Ethan. And I think you should be careful."

Ethan's gut twisted. "What do you mean?"

Mira glanced around, her voice barely audible. "Jenny's not what she seems. Neither is her family."

Ethan's mind was racing. "What are you talking about?"

Mira leaned in closer, her lips almost touching his ear. "I'll tell you, but you have to promise me something."

Ethan's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

Mira's eyes locked onto his. "Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone."

The music stopped, and the lights flickered. Jenny appeared beside them, a fake smile on her face. "Ethan, darling, there you are. Time for a toast."

Ethan's eyes met Mira's, and he knew he was in trouble.

Ethan's eyes locked onto Mira's, and he knew he was in trouble. He forced a smile and turned to Jenny. "Sure, I'm coming."

Jenny's smile widened, and she led him to the center of the room. The crowd quieted, and Ethan's heart sank. This was it. The moment he'd been drowning in.

Jenny raised her glass. "To new beginnings and bright futures!"

The room echoed with cheers and clashes of glasses. Ethan's drink remained untouched, his mind racing with Mira's warning. What was Jenny hiding?

As the toast ended, Ethan excused himself, claiming he needed some air. He slipped out onto the balcony, taking a deep breath of the cool night air.

Mira appeared beside him, her eyes scanning the crowd below. "You coming?"

Ethan's heart skipped a beat. "Midnight. Alone."

Mira nodded, her expression serious. "Be careful, Ethan. You don't know what you're getting into."

Ethan's phone buzzed in his pocket. A text from an unknown number: "Don't trust Mira."

He showed it to Mira. "What does this mean?"

Mira's eyes widened, and she grabbed his arm. "It's a trap. Don't come alone."

The balcony door swung open, and Jenny stepped out, her smile faltering for a moment. "Ethan, darling? What's going on?"

Ethan pulled his arm free, his mind racing. "Nothing, Jenny. Just getting some air."

Jenny's eyes narrowed, but she smiled again. "Good. Let's get back inside."

Mira's warning echoed in his mind as Jenny led him back into the party. What was he walking into?