I had, for a little while, some time to myself. Time alone is crucial for people.

It allows you to look at your situation objectively and sort out the chaos in your head. Nothing beats it for that.

As I walked, I glanced over my shoulder. Aiden was nowhere to be seen.

I was truly alone. Looked like he really wasn’t following me. Aiden wasn’t the type to tail someone in secret anyway.

Left by myself, I once again recalled Bell’s silhouette. A faceless girl, walking ahead of me with her hands behind her back.

An innocent victim had emerged from this estate. No—only one had been discovered, but there could be more.

Who was that creature in human skin, really? Where had I left off the last time I thought this through? Right—I'd gotten as far as concluding that the person had some connection to me.