Theo nods slowly, gaze flickering back to the water. “Yeah. I still can’t believe someone tried to kidnap Ara.”

My stomach twists. You have no idea.

“It’s wild,” he continues, shaking his head. “Like, what kind of crazed fan does something like that?”

The words press against my ribs, but I keep my expression neutral. He doesn’t know the truth—that it wasn’t some obsessed fan acting on impulse. That it was planned. He doesn’t know about the messages that she found on her bed, or the things missing from her room.

That the reason she’s coming to Shadow Grove is to hide out until they find whoever was behind it.

He doesn’t know.

And I can’t tell him.

So I just nod, letting the conversation drift, until Theo, completely unaware of what he’s just said, adds, “At least your sister’s staying in town for a while. Must be nice, having her around since the band isn’t touring anymore.”

I nearly laugh. Oh, Theo.

He’s met my sister a dozen times. Talked to her. Shared meals with her. And yet, somehow, it has never once clicked that Celeste is Ara. That the lead singer of his favorite band has been in his cafe, has sat at his table, and has stolen his fries.

And he has no idea.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning. “Yeah,” I say, keeping my voice even. “It’ll be nice having her close.”

A comfortable silence settles between us, filled only by the sound of the waves rolling in and out. The moon hangs heavy above the horizon, casting a silver glow over everything.

Then Theo shifts, turning to me, and his voice is softer when he speaks. “Do you remember that night in the truck?”

I glance at him, brow furrowing. “You’re going to have to be more specific.”

He huffs a quiet laugh. “When we talked about our favorite places. You asked me where mine was, and I told you it was more of a feeling than a place. That anywhere could be home, as long as it felt like home.”

I remember.

I remember everything.

His voice is even quieter now. “You told me you hadn’t found yours yet.”

My throat tightens.

Theo watches me closely. “Do you think you have now?”

I don’t look at the water.

I don’t look at the sky.

I look at him.

And I say, “Yes.”

His breath catches.

I don’t have to say anything else.

He understands.

He reaches for my hand, threading his fingers through mine, and the waves crash the wind whispers, and the stars burn overhead.

And for the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m drifting.

I have found my home.

Thank You for Reading!