The first rays of sunlight spilled into Freya’s room, creeping across the wooden floorboards and settling on her face. She stirred, groaning softly as the events of the previous day came rushing back. The address, the stranger, and the faint glimmer of hope that her mother might actually be alive.

Freya opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She couldn’t afford to waste any time. Her plan had to begin now. Pushing the heavy duvet off her body, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stretched. She forced herself out of bed, her movements quiet and deliberate, not wanting...