Barely seconds after sending the text, the phone rang before Merlina could even register it.
She frowned at the screen, seeing Melissa's name flash insistently. Something about the urgency made Merlina's stomach knot.
She answered, her voice tight. "Hello?"
"Merlina… Craig's at the apartment," Melissa said, words tumbling out. "You have to come right now. I don't understand what's going on."
Merlina's eyes widened. "Wait… what do you mean? What is he doing there?"
"I… I don't know. He said something about needing Cameron's things. Merlina… you should come. Now."
Before Melissa could say another word, Merlina ended the call. Her mind barely processed anything beyond one thought: I have to get there.
She yanked open the door, practically throwing herself into her car, and the engine roared to life as she sped toward her apartment.
Panic and fury propelled her forward; questions and dread tumbled in her chest, but there was no stopping now.
