Alethea

Selena’s voice is frantic and shaky like she has run a mile and is struggling to catch her breath. But through her panic, I manage to pick up the only words that matter—

“Declan has been taken! I can’t find him, Ally! I’ve searched everywhere, but my boy is gone!”

A sob breaks through the phone, raw and heart-wrenching.

The tray in my hands slips, crashing onto the floor with a deafening sound. Plates shatter, and silverware clatters, sending a hush through the diner. Every head turns toward me, some faces filled with concern, others irritated that I’ve disrupted their peaceful meal.

But I don’t care.

I can’t breathe....