MIRA

My instincts turn feral before logic ever catches up. I can feel that something is wrong, I know it. The house feels too quiet, as if it’s holding its breath. I call Nora’s name once, then again. The sound of it echoes down the hallway, but there’s no answer.

“Nora?” my voice grows sharper, cracking. “Nora!”

No footsteps, no laughter, no unnecessary loud music and no reply. Panic sharpens in my chest, spreading like wildfire under my ribs. I move faster, checking her room, ...