He opened the door a crack, the cold air rushing in.

He reached out and snatched the white envelope from the top of the box.

He stepped back inside and locked the door.

The envelope was wet, but the paper was thick and expensive.

On the front, written in elegant, flowing script, was my name.

*To Maren.*

My hands shook as Marcus handed me the letter.

I tore open the seal.

Inside was a single sheet of paper and a small, silver key.

The note read:

*You thought you took her. But you only took what I wanted you to have.*

My stomach twisted into a tight knot.

“Marcus,” I whispered, holding out the note.

Before he could take it, his phone began to vibrate violently in his pocket.

He pulled it out and stared at the screen.

“It is Rowan’s tracker,” Marcus said, his voice dropping.

“What is it?” I asked.

“The signal just went dead,” Marcus said. “In the middle of the river.”

I stared at him, the silver key heavy in my hand.

The sound of the rain outside seemed to grow louder, filling the sterile lobby.