Danae Mari Ethan Seeks ((top)) -

"The time has come," the letter read. "Meet me at the old oak in the heart of the Whispering Woods at midnight. Come alone, but know that together, you will uncover a secret that has been hidden for centuries."

Danae turned her head slightly. Her hair was plastered to her face. "Maybe she did. Maybe I needed to break to see where the pieces were."

It was Mari who had sent him the text that started it all. Just three words, devoid of context, sent at 2:00 AM: She left. Find her. danae mari ethan seeks

He held out his hand, palm up, open and steady.

"She went somewhere high," Ethan said suddenly, the realization hitting him like a physical blow. "She went where she could see the stars, even if it’s raining." "The time has come," the letter read

"Scattered," she whispered. "I’m just so tired of being the one who stays, Ethan. I’m tired of being the peacekeeper while everyone else gets to be the storm."

He was looking for Danae.

Danae, Mari, and Ethan had been friends since college, despite their vastly different backgrounds and interests. Danae, with her keen sense of mystery and intrigue, had always been the one to suggest they take on adventures together. One day, she received a cryptic letter addressed to all three of them.

"Did you find her?" Mari’s voice was brittle. Her hair was plastered to her face

Ethan helped her down the ladder, catching her when she slipped on the last run. As they walked back down the muddy hill, Danae leaned into him. Ethan pulled out his phone and typed a message to the number waiting on his screen.

Ethan stopped walking. He closed his eyes, picturing Danae’s face—her soft eyes, her tendency to internalize every blow. Mari lashed out to provoke a reaction, but Danae? Danae retreated to heal. Or to break.