Chapter 91

Stacey

My breath comes in ragged gasps as I swallow, my eyes still wide and frantic as they scan the outside world. I quickly stuff the photo into my leggings pocket, crumpling it up to hide it from sight. Gretchen’s tongue licks at my neck, her barking now ceased since we are outside. “Why were you screaming?” Aurora questions, her expression turning serious as she notices the house behind me. “Did something happen?” I shake my head, my feet pounding down the steps by the driveway as we make our way onto the street. The sound of passing cars and distant conversations fill my ears, but all I can focus on is the picture burning a hole in my thigh.

As we approach Aurora’s car, its engine is still running and the sound of it fills the air. Caleb is sitting in the front seat, giving me a small wave as I glance back at my friend. She walks beside me as I carry my bag to the car, her steps matching mine until we reach our destination. With a gentle hand, she places my bag in the boot before