The warm glow of the setting sun cast long shadows across the orchard, but Annabelle’s heart felt cold and heavy as the weight of the guard’s words settled over her.

The lightheartedness of the day vanished in an instant and was instantly replaced by a suffocating dread that made her vision blur.

She swayed on her feet, steadying herself against the car as a cold sweat prickled her skin.

Her first thought was, “Tad is back.”

The mere idea sent her into a spiral of panic.

Her lungs tightened, and her pulse raced like a caged bird slamming against its bars.

Her vision narrowed as she fought the overwhelming urge...