The old Marlowe estate stood beneath the gray night sky like a memory that refused to die.
Elena stared through the windshield.
She had not been here in years.
Not since her father’s funeral.
Not since the house had become too painful to enter.
Beside her, Adrian remained silent.
His eyes were fixed on the enormous iron gates ahead.
The gates were supposed to be locked.
But tonight, they stood wide open.
Elena swallowed.
“Someone wants us to come inside.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“That’s exactly what worries me.”
She turned toward him.
“You said you wouldn't make decisions for me anymore.”
“I won't.”
“Then don't tell me to stay in the car.”
“I wasn't going to.”
She raised an eyebrow.
Adrian looked at her.
“I was going to ask you to stay behind me.”
Despite everything, E
