Elena's POV
Sunday felt quieter than usual.
Maybe it was the way the air held its breath.
Or maybe it was just me—holding mine.
I told Callum I'd be quick. Just groceries. Nothing more.
The market wasn't far. A five-minute walk, ten if I moved slow.
But even as I stepped outside, even with the sun trying to warm the street, I felt it.
That shift.
Like I wasn't alone.
Like something—or someone—was watching.
Still, I kept walking. Head down. Bag in hand. Just one more block.
I checked over my shoulder.
Nothing.
But nothing didn't mean safe.
I pulled my jacket tighter. The world didn't feel steady.
Not anymore.
Every parked car looked like it could spring open. Every passerby felt too close.
I reminded myself to breathe.
Get the eggs. The fruit. Bread. Then go.
I wasn't running.
Not yet.
But I could feel it—the chill crawling up my spine like a shadow I couldn't name.
And when I turned into the narrow street behind the store, I saw it.
Not a person.
Not a face.
