The night air hit her lungs harshly as Tessa ran.

“ Tessa, slow…” her mother called from behind, but she didn't stop.

The path to the storeroom stretched darker the further she went, the faint light from the house barely reaching the far end.

Her slippers slapped against the ground, breathing coming in short, uneven bursts.

“ Gray…” she muttered under her breath, panic tightening her chest.

What if he's already inside?

What if…

Her steps faltered for a split second before she pushed forward again.

The outline of the old store finally came into view. Dark. Quiet. Isolated.

Her heart jumped.

“Grayson!” She called out, voice slightly breathless as...