reen went dark. Jace's last message still pulsed across her pho

st. Why did his words feel like a warning wrapped in charm? Why did his voi

act herself, pacing toward the kitchen, flicking the kettle on, staring at the ris

doorbell startled

ply, shaking her head.

rough the peephole. Relief flooded her when s

ispered, unloc

g like a trophy. "Chicken noodles. And don't ask me how

was thin, brittle. "You're p

eyes. "Psychic and hungry. But also your unofficial

e couch. She wanted to dismiss it, to laugh it off, but

The online guy? Mister C

nt, Dede. When we talk, it feels like he sees straight through me. But tonight... his

, shadows are only scary if you turn off the lamp. You don't k

lieve that. "Maybe. But it

cially the attractive, smooth-talking ones-they thrive on mystery. It's their way of staying

anted to keep her guard, yet she felt herself slipping p

zzed. Both w

look. "That be

hone. The screen flashed with a

was

nca? Or are you thin

ming was uncanny, almost a

ng aloud. "Okay, creepy coincidence

nca whispered. The roo

ved, quick and preci

rtains drawn halfway. The street outside was quiet, but the possibility

are freak out alone. If he's nearb

e-it could be coincidence. Maybe he just guess

e betrayed h

This time, it wasn't w

window. Taken from

a hand over her mouth.

ht crack her ribs. She stumbled back, clutching t

" Dede urged, he

age followed the picture: "Don't be afraid

d the armrest, trying to steady her

usly: "Leave her alone. Don't ever contact Bia

"Hello, Dede. Nice to

women

know her name? She had never

ws me? Bianca, this isn't just some random

feeling-curiosity. Because beneath the dread was a pull she couldn't deny. Who was Jace r

lowed across the screen: "Sleep well toni

, broken only by the shall

hand tightly. "We nee

tlefield of terror and longing. For the first time, she wasn't sure if she

kered, Bianca swore she saw a