CH.9

The sun was starting to set, illuminating our peaceful neighborhood street with long, golden shadows when I arrived home.

I fumbled with my keys while juggling the grocery bags I'd picked up after my visit to the Blackthorns before finally managing to unlock the front door.

I headed straight inside, kicking off my flats by the front door and heading to the kitchen.

The house still smelled faintly of fresh paint and new furniture, a reminder that we'd only moved in only a few hours ago.

I entered the kitchen and immediately set about preparing dinner. My movements were automatic like I had been programmed to perform this ritual without fail.

Our kitchen had a charming balcony overlooking the backyard and the neighborhood behind our new house.

The fading sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, throwing long shadows across the tiled floor.

Whenever I turned to look out the window to my right, I couldn't stop myself from staring at the Blackthorn manor towering majestically in the