Chapter 19
Lena didn’t go back to class.
The pain in her chest outmatched the aching in her knee.
Her phone was clutched tightly in her hand as she walked—text after text sent to the same unknown number. Each one more desperate than the last.
> *Who are you?*
> *Why are you doing this to me?*
> *What do you want from me?*
> *Please. Just tell me what you know.*
No reply.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting elongated shadows across the sidewalks of Black Hollow. The air was still, almost unnaturally quiet, like the town itself was holding its breath.
Lena’s steps quickened, even though every movement sparked a dull throb in her leg. She ignored it. Just like she ignored the logical voice in her head begging her to turn around, to go home, to pretend none of this had e
