Chapter 84

The clock on the mantle ticked away, its steady rhythm a stark contrast to the growing unease in the hearts of Sarah's family. Joseph, Elizabeth, and Matthew sat in the living room, their eyes fixed on the clock as the hands crept closer to midnight.

"Where could she be?" Elizabeth asked, her voice laced with worry. "She said she'd be home by 10."

"And Nicholas's phone is off too," Matthew added, his brow furrowed with concern. "That's not like him."

Joseph stood up, pacing across the room. "I'll try calling her again."

But the phone rang out, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake.

"This isn't like Sarah," Elizabeth said, her voice trembling. "She always checks in. Something's wrong."

Matthew jumped up, his face set in determination. "I'll go look for her. Maybe she's with Nicholas, and they lost track of time."

Joseph nodded, his eyes clouded with worry. "Be careful, son. And call us as soon as you find out anything."

As Matthew rushed out into the night, the remaining two sat in