Chapter One —

That summer's heat felt different.

People weren't hiding in air-conditioned homes or sitting in the shade and fanning themselves because of this type of heat.

No, this heat was like a languid, playful hand pressing against your skin; it was intense enough to make everything seem charged and heated enough to raise your heart rate.

Perhaps Jade desired peace, which is why she chose to celebrate her 25th birthday by herself in a rented beach home rather than with friends.

However, the last thing she received was "quiet." The beach home was situated at the end of a lengthy sandy path with tall grass that rustled in...