POV: Riley
The world around me dissolved into an overwhelming silence as the ground beneath us vanished. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. I had to be strong—for Alex, for Mason, for all of us.
When the darkness receded, I found myself standing in a familiar place: the forest clearing where I used to escape to read, to dream. The trees rustled softly, their leaves whispering secrets I couldn't quite understand. Ahead of me, I saw a small, flickering light.
"Riley," a voice called, and my heart froze. It was my mother's voice, soft and soothing, like a memory brought to life.
I stepped forward, drawn to the light. As I got closer, I saw her standing there, looking exactly as I remembered—her blonde hair shining in the light, her green eyes filled with warmt
