The message still burned in Celeste’s mind: “The past isn’t dead. It’s hunting you both.”
She didn’t sleep that night. Damien stayed close, but neither of them spoke much. Their silence was louder than words.
By morning, Celeste had made her decision.
“I want to see the old estate,” she said.
Damien looked up, confused. “Which one?”
“The one my mother used to visit. The one she left behind.”
Damien’s jaw tensed. “It’s not safe there.”
“Neither is anywhere else,” she said. “I need answers.”
The drive was long and quiet. Trees grew wild on both sides of the road. The estate sat on a hill, forgotten and broken. Vines curled around stone walls. The windows were cracked. The gate hung crooked.
Celeste stepped out of the car, heart racing. The place felt cold even under the sun.
“This
