Riley POV
The night draped the McKinnley estate in a blanket of shadows, illuminated only by the soft glow of the moon and scattered stars. Riley stood at her window, gazing out at the tranquil grounds below, her mind racing with thoughts of the day's events and the mysteries that still surrounded her.
Earlier that evening, after dinner, Dad had suggested they take a walk around the estate. The air was crisp with the promise of autumn, and the faint scent of wildflowers lingered in the breeze. Mason walked beside her, their shoulders brushing occasionally as they strolled along the garden path.
"You okay, Riley?" Mason asked softly, his concern evident in his voice.
Riley nodded, offering him a faint smile. "Yeah, just thinking."
They reached a secluded spot by the edge of the garden,
