Kingsley Academy

Chapter 48

The next morning, everything feels off. I wake up with a sense of unease that I can't shake, even though Kade's still fast asleep beside me, his arm draped over my waist. I lie there for a few minutes, trying to tell myself that everything's fine. But it's not. Something is wrong.

I reach over to grab my phone from the nightstand, and as soon as I turn it on, a text pops up from an unknown number. My stomach twists before I even read the message, and when I do, my heart stops.

Guess who's next.

The words stare back at me, cold and final. I sit up in bed, my hand shaking as I hold the phone. There's no name, no explanation—but I know. I know exactly what this means. The stalker. The one who's been tormenting me for weeks, the one who killed Olivia. They're threatening someone else now. And there's only one person it could be.

Kade.

I glance over at him, still sleeping peacefully beside me, completely unaware of the danger. My chest tightens with fear, and I feel like I can't breathe. I try to steady myself, but the panic is already clawing its way up my throat. I can't lose him. I can't let this happen.

My phone buzzes again, and this time the message is even worse.

I'll send you an address. Come without telling anyone, and he'll be fine.

A cold wave of dread washes over me. The stalker wants me to come alone. They're threatening Kade, and I have no choice but to do what they say. If I tell Kade or anyone else, he might get hurt. Or worse.

I swallow hard, trying to think. How the hell am I supposed to get out of here without Kade or the guards knowing? He's been so protective lately, practically glued to my side. And there's no way the guards will let me leave without reporting it to him. But I don't have time to worry about that. If I don't go, Kade could be in real danger.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. I need to think of something—some excuse, some way to slip out without raising suspicion. And then it hits me.

The nail appointment.

I've gone out for nail appointments before, always with one of the guards, but I've never stayed long. I can use that as a cover—pretend I'm going to get my nails done, then lose the guard somehow. It's risky, but it's the only plan I've got.

I glance at Kade again, my heart aching as I watch him sleep. I hate lying to him, especially now, but I don't have a choice. I lean over, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "I love you," I whisper, even though he can't hear me.

Slipping out of bed quietly, I grab my clothes and get dressed quickly. My hands are shaking, but I can't afford to fall apart. Not now. I need to keep it together, at least until I know Kade is safe.

When I step out of the bedroom, one of the guards is stationed in the hallway, just like always. I force a smile, trying to act as normal as possible. "I'm heading out to a nail appointment," I say casually, checking my phone as if I've just remembered.

The guard nods but doesn't move. "I'll accompany you."

"Sure," I reply, my heart pounding in my chest. I'll figure out how to lose him later. For now, I need to play along.

We head out of the house, and the guard follows me closely as I walk toward the car. My mind races with ideas—how to get away, where to go once I lose him. The stalker still hasn't sent the address, but I know it's coming. I need to be ready.

The drive to the nail salon is quiet, but my nerves are shot, my fingers tapping restlessly on my lap. The guard glances at me a few times, probably sensing something's off, but I keep my expression neutral, my mind running through the plan over and over again.