Chapter 54 - Chapter 53

# Chapter 53
AYANDA

It's snowing again outside, and thick flurries sail through the air, dusting the tip of my nose. I hurry across the parking area to the tall, imposing library framed by pines.

A lone lamppost sits beside the stone steps leading up to a set of heavy wooden doors.

I cross the pavement and pause at the bottom of the steps, glancing behind me briefly at my shoe prints in the snow. Soon, a fresh layer of flurries will bury them.

A shiver runs through me when I peer up at the doors, and I tighten my coat. My stalker is waiting for me inside.

This is a bad idea, but I'm no stranger to those, nor dangerous men with a taste for murder.

My breaths puff out in front of me, visible in the air, while I try to talk myself into leaving.

It's almost too silent, as if the shadows hold their breath, leaning in closer, waiting to see what I'll do—waiting to see if I'll take my stalker's bait and ascend these snow-dusted stone steps.

Intrigue wins, propelling me forward.

I ascend, counting each step—fifteen in total. My shadow shifts from my side and slides in front of me. I hesitate with my hands on the wrought iron handles, and the chill bites into my palms. I should turn around. I should say screw this and run back down the steps to the safety of my car. I shouldn't be here in the first place, playing into a killer's hands.