Ethan and Tessa had always treated me like family. The thought of suspecting them, even for a moment, filled me with guilt and unease.

Yet, Nora's hesitation—and her unspoken suggestion—planted a seed of doubt in my mind.

My heart felt like it was in freefall, plummeting from a towering height. Panic washed over me, but I forced myself to steady my thoughts.

"I have to," I whispered, more to myself than to Nora.

The more my ...