I practically fled the basement hallway, my boots clattering against the concrete steps as I scrambled toward the exit. Stepping out into the daylight felt like a physical assault; the sun was blindingly bright, its rays piercing through my bleary, sleep-deprived eyes. I squinted, shielding my face with a hand that still felt a bit unsteady. My mind was a chaotic whirlpool of the night's events, the high-stakes family drama of the Riverwood Estates, and the predatory invitation I’d just received from my neighbor.
"Hey there, big guy. You look like you've seen a ghost. Or maybe you just didn't get a wink of sleep last night?"
The voice was familiar, a warm, slightly raspy alto that cut through the morning haze. I turned to see the proprietress of the small neighborhood eatery where I’d ta
