Chapter 1
The Pact
The wind howled through the trees as the five friends arrived at Lakewood Retreat. Their tradition—an annual reunion at the cabin where they had once made unforgettable college memories—felt sacred.
Olivia poured the wine, auburn curls falling over her shoulder. “To us,” she toasted.
Noah smirked. “Another year older, another year wiser.”
Jonah chuckled. “Speak for yourself.”
Elise shivered. “It feels colder than last year.”
Sophia nodded, glancing toward the window. The trees outside swayed violently, their jagged shadows clawing at the glass. The place felt…off.
“Promise me,” Jonah said, his tone shifting, “no matter what happens, we come back every year.”
The others hesitated before clinking their glasses. But just outside, hidden beyond the reach of the porch light, something watched. A presence lingered—a silent guest.
The fire crackled, a log shifting violently. Olivia jumped, laughing nervously.
Then came a whisper—faint, raspy, unnatural.
None of them heard it.
But it was there.
And it had been waiting.
