The message arrived on a cold winter morning.
I was sitting on the cliff, watching the sun rise over the ocean, when my phone buzzed. A single text from an unknown number. Three words that shattered my peace.
They're back. -L
I stared at the screen for a long moment. The warmth of the sunrise faded. The cold crept back in.
Lena wouldn't have sent this unless it was real. Unless the threat was real. Unless everything I'd fought for was in danger again.
I stood up and walked back to the small house where I'd been staying. The old woman was at the kitchen table, drinking her tea.
"You're leaving," she said. It wasn't a question.
I nodded. "I have to. My family needs me."
She smiled. It was a sad smile. "I know. I've been expecting this. You were never meant to stay here forever."
"Th
