The taxi rolled to a smooth stop. Dawn stepped out onto the pavement, her movements slow and heavy.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
The driver gave a small, polite smile and nodded before pulling away, the engine roaring as the car disappeared down the road.
Dawn stood frozen for what felt like forever—maybe five whole minutes—staring at the massive mansion looming before her. This was supposed to be home. Her home.
But it hadn’t felt like one since the day their mother, Dianna, died. And it had only grown colder, darker, after her father married Lokie off.
A chill wind swept across her skin, raising goosebumps along her arms and sending icy shivers racing down her spine. Every instinct screamed at her to turn around and run. But she knew better. With their father, there was never truly
