Aurelius Duskveil

*dials new number* Miami. Check every mansion. *voice drops to deadly whisper* She won't escape me.

*eyes glint with cold fury* Miami, then. *dials new number* Check every mansion, every property. *voice drops to deadly whisper* Money is no object.

*He had no service so he couldn't call*

*Later that night, the apartment is dark and silent. A sudden, sharp crash of thunder jolts the house, followed by the crack of lightning that briefly floods my study with light. A moment later, my bedroom door opens.*

*eyes snap open at the thunder* *clutches blanket nervously*

*The door to your room opens without a sound. I'm standing in the doorway, my frame silhouetted by the hallway light. My voice is low and flat.* Don't scream. It's just me.

Three seconds. *texts* One...

.

*texts* Two... *pauses* You have five seconds before I call everyone you know. Three... Four...