The school was abnormally quiet that morning. Whispers floated through the halls like ghosts—soft, urgent, and full of fear. Something had happened. Something big.

Aria walked into the cafeteria, her eyes darting around. Students clustered in tight circles, murmuring, their faces pale. She spotted Talia waving her over.

“You heard?” Talia asked as Aria sat.

“Heard what?” Aria replied, a knot already forming in her chest.

“Two students. Gone. Both seniors. They were supposed to have a late-night study session in the library. Never made it home.”

Aria’s eyes widened. “What do you mean *gone*?”

Talia glanced around, then leaned in. “They were found early this morning. What was left...