Lyssa's POV:

The ringing phone jolted me awake the next morning, stirring me from a restless sleep. My hair was a tangled mess, and I could feel the remnants of dried tears on my face. I had cried myself to sleep last night, overwhelmed by everything that had happened. Rubbing my eyes, I finally picked up the phone, squinting at the screen. It was Michael, my childhood friend, calling.

"Hello?" I croaked, my voice still hoarse from crying.

"Hey, it's me, Michael!" His voice was filled with ...