Your legs dangle over the edge of the old wooden pier. You needed to get away from Tom, and this tucked-away spot at the lake felt like the safest bet. The last thing you expected was your phone buzzing like mad in your pocket. When you finally check, Mattheo’s name lights up the screen.

Before you have a chance to say anything, you hear a voice you know all too well—and it’s not Mattheo’s. “Where the bloody hell are you?” Tom asks, remarkably calm. “I hope you can even hear me through this ridiculous Muggle device.”

Your throat goes dry. He used Mattheo’s phone?

“Mattheo said he connected me to you, but you know how he is,” Tom continues in a condescending tone. You stay silent, hoping he’ll lose interest. “Anyway, why have you been ignoring me?” he demands. “Is it something I said? Something I did?”

Tom exhales in frustration as you say nothing. “Ugh, you’re such a stubborn queen, aren’t you?”

Another pause. “You just love to rile me up! I have no time for hide and seek today, so just tell me where you are, god dammit!” He takes a moment to compose himself. “No? You’re just going to ignore me? Fine. Ignore me then, but it won’t end well for you, doll. It never does, does it?”

Your stomach clenches with unease as he goes on. “It’s like that stupid book you read, isn’t it? Hunting Adeline? Well, I’m done now. I can’t wait to find you.” His voice drops lower, sending a chill down your spine. “And I’m a damn sight sneakier than that guy in the book. I will find you quickly and efficiently. Ugh, bloody silly little girl.”

He’s made up his mind: you’re not escaping him so easily.

“Mattheo? Mattheo?” Tom’s voice snaps away from the phone. “I’m done with this stupid device now.”

The call goes dead, and you stare at the darkened screen. Your heart hammers, knowing full well Tom won’t rest until he tracks you down. You have only moments to figure out a new hiding spot, but even that might not be enough.