JAYDEN
I opened my eyes again and found myself back at the same familiar place—lying on the shore, waves gently kissing the sand, birds wandering across the sky above me. I instantly knew it was him again—the old man. I slowly rose to my feet, sand slipping off my clothes, and darted my eyes around, searching for him. My heart pounded, haunted by the memory of our last encounter. He had warned me not to hurt Catriona, or there would be consequences.
Goosebumps pricked my skin as I felt the eerie sensation of being watched. Someone was definitely behind me. I hesitated to turn.
Why am I hesitating? We’ve met before.
I swallowed hard and turned around.
He was there.
But he wasn’t alone.
Standing beside him was another old man I’d never seen before—shorter, but with a presence that sc
