CLAUDE
The road stretched ahead and felt like it went on forever, but my mind wasn't here. It was back in Andrei's car the last time I left, back when I sat stiff and silent, breathing in every last trace of him. Nikolai had told me to leave, but I had made sure to know my way back.
I drove for what felt like hours, my grip tight on the wheel, my stomach coiled into knots.
Then I saw it.
My breath hitched as the gated mansion came into view, sitting at the farthest edge, closest to the woods.
The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows over the gravel as I pulled up, but I wasn't looking at the light. I was looking at the gate. The dark metal stretched high in front of me, unmoving, silent.
Too silent.
My heart slammed hard, my fingers tightening on the steering w
