ZACK'S POV
It's been three days since I last saw Selena.
Three days since her parents slammed the door in my face like I was the villain in her story. Since I stood outside, holding a stupid chocolate bar and her favorite dark romance novel, hoping she'd sneak out or wave from the window.
She didn't.
She hasn't replied to my texts. Not even the funny one with the bat emoji and "you okay, Countess?"
And now I'm standing outside her gate again like a lovesick idiot. Only this time, I'm not alone.
"Looking for her?" a voice says behind me. I turn.
It's Amara — her sister. She's leaning against a tree, arms folded, lips smirking like she knows something. I hate how much she looks like Selena but with sharpness instead of softness.
"Yeah. Have you seen her?" I ask cautiously.
She shrugs. "Maybe. But she's not exactly... herself lately."
That gets my attention.
"What do you mean?"
Amara steps closer. "Let's just say... my sister has secrets. And some of them are better left buried. For your sake."
I freeze. "What the hell does that mean?"
She doesn't answer. She just walks past me, whispers low enough that it chills my spine:
> "You think you're in love with her, Zack.
But what you love... might not even be human."
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ZACK'S NOTE (never sent):
> Sel,
If you see this... please just tell me you're okay.
I miss you. Even if it's just one text. One word.
I'm still here. —Z