Midnight.
Ava's heart pounded against her ribs as she stepped out of the car, the streetlights flickering dimly overhead. The air was thick with tension, as if the city itself was holding its breath.
Noah shut the door behind her, his fingers tightening around hers for a brief second before letting go. He had barely spoken since the call—since Liam's voice slithered into their night like a shadow they couldn't escape.
Jasper was already scanning their surroundings, his stance rigid. "We don't have to do this," he muttered.
Ava ignored the voice in her head screaming the same thing.
She had to do this.
The abandoned train station loomed before them, its rusted tracks stretching into the darkness. This was where it all began. Where Liam had first started leaving breadcrumbs, pulling her into a game she never agreed to play.
Yet here she was.
A soft sound echoed through the empty station—footsteps. Slow. Unhurried.
Liam.
He emerged from the shadows, dressed in black, his smirk as sharp as ever. "I knew you'd come, Ava."
Her pulse spiked, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "You wanted me here. Now talk."
He tilted his head. "Noah, Jasper... always playing bodyguards. How predictable."
Jasper scoffed. "Just get to the point."
Liam chuckled. "Fine. I'll make this simple." His eyes flickered to Ava, dark and unreadable. "You're searching for answers about Noah, aren't you?"
She clenched her fists. "And you claim to have them."
"I do have them." His voice was calm, controlled. "But the truth isn't free, Ava. Are you willing to pay the price?"
Noah stepped forward, his presence towering, dangerous. "She doesn't owe you anything."
Liam smirked. "Oh, but she does. Because whether you like it or not, Ava, you're already a part of this."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a single photograph.
Ava's breath hitched.
It wasn't just a picture.
It was proof.
Of what? She didn't know yet. But as she took a shaky step forward, she realized—there was no turning back now.
She was in too deep.