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ALLISON

I shut off the water and step out of the shower, steam curling around my ankles like it doesn’t want to let go.

The air is thick and heavy with a warning.

I shiver. That thought is morbid. I don’t know why I’m overreacting.

I grab a towel, wrap it around myself, and rake my fingers through my damp hair.

Then I hear a sound. It’s soft. A faint creek from outside the closed door.

I freeze, towel mid-motion.

“Connor?”

No answer.

I tilt my head, listening.

But it’s silent.

It’s probably the pipes. Or the bungalow settling. Stop overreacting.

Still, the back of my neck prickles.

I dress quickly, pulling on a pair of shorts and one of Connor’s worn, oversized T-shirts, then crack open the bathroom door.

My bare feet meet the cool floor as I step into the main room.

Something feels… off.

Not loud or obvious. Just wrong.

Then I see that the front door is slightly ajar.

I still.

I always shut it, listening for the click of the lock after I close it.

I double-checked it before I got in the shower.

Maybe Gram forgot something. Maybe she came back and didn’t close it all the way and Peyton didn’t notice.

I scan the room.

Nothing seems out of place.

But the hair on the back of my neck stands up. My skin tightens.

And then I feel the warm breath on the back of my neck. A light footstep that’s too close.

Before I can turn, arms clamp around me from behind. His hold is tight, crushing my midsection. A cold blade presses against my throat.

I gasp, but the sound is too quiet for anyone to hear.

A low, calm voice drips into my ear, sharp as the blade against my skin.

“Do exactly as I say… and you’ll live.”