Chapter 118. Waking Up at Noon

Footsteps pounded against the pavement behind her.

“Anna!” Her father’s voice was sharp with panic.

Kevin was the first to reach her, dropping to his knees beside her. “Are you okay?” His small hands grasped her arm, eyes wide with fear.

She shoved his hands away, staggering to her feet. “I’m fine.” Her voice was hoarse, but the lie was firm.

Her father reached for her, but she jerked back. “Don’t,” she snapped, breath still coming in ragged gasps.

“Anna, you almost—”

“I know what almost happened,” she cut him off. Her pulse roared in her ears. She felt suffocated, trapped between their concern and the threat looming over her.

Her fingers tightened around the note, the words burning into her skin. She exhaled sharply, then let it fall, the paper fluttering to the ground like an omen.

Kevin made a move to follow her as she turned on her heel, but their father caught his arm. “Let her go,” he murmured.

Kevin yanked against his grip