Chapter 439. Sydney's Quest

Four Months Later

Dad’s orrery clicks and spins, the internal gears grinding against the soft patter of winter rain on the windows. I watch the strange tangle of metal for another few minutes, tucking my hands in the pockets of my old leather jacket before taking a breath and walking toward the stairs. 

It’s only 8:00 A.M. The sun barely crests the snow-capped mountains in the distance when I reach the main foyer. Maids and workers rush past me with courteous bobs of their heads. 

The world keeps spinning and spinning. 

A flash of memory clouds my vision. I watch Gabriel drag his knife across Evander’s throat. Kenna’s scream sears into my mind like a brand. 

I blink, and the memory vanishes, replaced by the pale cream rug and ceiling height windows overlooking the private drive. 

I remind myself I’m back in Crescent Falls, and nothing is amiss. 

“Oh, I thought that might have been you in the orrery.” Moms