Stella reached the far side of the beach, the sand cool beneath her feet, only to find Brandon still trailing her. "Go back," she said, her voice sharp, not bothering to turn around. But then she did turn, freezing in place. It wasn't Brandon.

The stranger stood there, his features obscured by shadow, his presence unsettling.

"Who are you?" Stella demanded, her voice barely a whisper.

The man didn't answer, his silence more menacing than any words. Finally, "Why are you here?" He ...