She reached her front door and froze.
That feeling-undeniable. His presence.
No... no. Not him. Anyone but him.
Her hand trembled as she reached into her pocket for the key.
Why now? Why here?
The air around the door felt heavier. Colder.
Something was wrong.
"No one's dead... yet. Better get in there and get him out," she muttered under her breath, sliding the key in.
With a deep breath, she turned it and pushed the door open.
Her eyes scanned the room.
"There she is," David said, walking over and leaning in to kiss her. "You've got a visitor."
"Hey, big sis," Scar called out from the couch, a bold grin stretched across his face.
Sarah froze.
She looked at him with thinly veiled disgust.
The spitting image of his father, she thought, gagging inwardly.
"Scar, what're you doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with mock sweetness as she slowly walked toward him.
"Father said to come get you," he replied casually, still grinning-like this was just a friendly visit. No edge. No threat.
Like he wasn't a loaded weapon wrapped in a teenager's smirk.
"You got a dad?" David asked, curiosity flickering across his face.
"Not now, honey," Sarah said quickly, her eyes never leaving Scar. Her voice was calm, but tight. Controlled.
She grabbed her coat. "Let's get you home."
"I'm staying for dinner," he said firmly, like it was a command.
They exchanged sharp glares.
Jake came downstairs. "Oh, hey Sarah, you didn't say you had a little brother. He's such a... charming little..." he paused, eyeing Scar - "nightmare."
Scar smirked. "Thanks, I get that a lot."
"He gives me the creeps," Jake added, heading toward the kitchen.
"You're not staying for dinner. You're leaving now," Sarah said firmly.
David chuckled, patting Scar on the head. "C'mon, don't be such a buzzkill. It's late already. Let the kid stay the night."
Scar stiffened slightly at David's touch but kept his smile.
"See? This guy gets it."
Sarah's eyes narrowed.
"David, don't touch him."
David raised an eyebrow. "What? He's just a kid."
"No. He's not," she snapped, her tone sharp and warning.
Scar's grin widened, clearly enjoying the tension.
"I'll be on my way. Just wanted to drop by and see my big sis."
His voice darkened as he turned toward the door.
He paused at the doorway, turning just enough to glance back.
"Oh... and Jake? I'll be seeing you again soon."
Sarah's jaw tightened.
"Tell your father I'll break anyone he sends for me."
Scar let out a low chuckle.
"You can tell him yourself. He's expecting you."
Then he slipped out.
The door clicked shut behind him-too softly for the storm it left behind.
Jake came out of the kitchen with a plate in hand, his mouth full.
"What was that about?" he mumbled.
Sarah let out a short laugh.
"Nothing. It was nothing at all. Just forget he was ever here."
She started up the stairs, then paused. Her voice turned sharp.
"And don't let just anyone into the house... even if they claim to be harmless."
They both watched her ascend the stairs, the tension still lingering.
"What's up with her?" Jake asked, still chewing.
David shrugged. "I don't know... family stuff, I guess."
"Mm." Jake nodded, already half-focused on his food again.
Upstairs, Sarah sat on the edge of her bed, eyes locked on the dark window.
"They're moving faster than I thought," she whispered.
She stood, wrapped herself in a towel, and headed for the bathroom.
Her hand touched the doorknob-
-it opened.
Scar stepped out, dry and calm, with that same smug grin.
"Hope you don't mind," he said. "I made myself at home."