Morning breaks dull and gray. The kind of sky that feels like it’s holding its breath. The note still lies on my nightstand, folded once, stained from my sweaty fingers.
You’re not safe here. Meet me tonight. – S.
“S.” As in Simon. The thought makes my stomach twist. Simon, the coward prince who vanished when everything went to hell. The same Simon whose father Nathan murdered in cold blood. Now he’s reaching out from the shadows, stirring ghosts I buried under ash and fear, daring me to hope he’s still alive. Or stupid enough to drag me back into the fire.
Leah reads the note for the tenth time, her face pale. “This is literally how horror movies start, Margot.”
“Good thing I don’t watch horror movies.” I mutter, tying my boots.
Felix leans against the doorframe, arms crossed. His ex
