The mayor’s house looked nothing like a place that could hold secrets.

It stood tall on the edge of Ravenswood, the kind of mansion people took photos of during Christmas tours, white pillars, manicured gardens, and an iron gate that gleamed under the morning sun.

But inside, the air felt colder.

Detective Rowan and Officer Malik stood in the foyer, waiting.

From the curved staircase above, the mayor’s voice echoed before he appeared, confident, precise, and perfectly calm.

 Detective Rowan, isn’t it? I understand you wanted to ask my son some questions.

His tone wasn’t angry. It was the kind of tone that reminded people who held power in this town.

Rowan nodded politely.

Yes, sir. We’re investigating the disappearance of a student .....Amara Alvarez.

The mayor’s expression flickered. Just for a second.

Then, composure.

Tragic isn't it. Dylan mentioned her name once or twice. I assure you, he’s been at home every night since that weekend.

 Still, sir, we’ll need to speak with him.

The mayor gestured down the hall.

 Of course. He’s in the study.

The study door was slightly open. Dylan sat behind a large oak desk, scrolling through his phone. His head lifted lazily as the detectives entered.

 Dylan Greene? Rowan said.

Dylan smiled faintly, leaning back.

That’s me.

 We’d like to ask you a few questions about Amara Alvarez.

Something in his eyes flickered, like a match that burned too quickly.

 Yeah… I heard she’s missing. Crazy, right?

 You knew her, Rowan said evenly.

A little. We hung out a few times with Zoe and Ryan. That’s it.

Rowan studied him for a long moment.

 Zoe said you used her phone to call Amara that night.

A small, humorless laugh.

 Zoe’s been drinking too much again. You can’t trust everything she says.

Behind him, Officer Malik noticed something on the desk, a small silver locket.

Inside, the faintest trace of a photograph.

A girl’s smile.

Amara’s.

Malik looked up, eyes meeting Rowan’s.

Rowan straightened slowly.

 We may need to take that with us.

Dylan’s jaw clenched.

 That’s mine.

 Still, Rowan said, his voice calm but firm, we’ll need it for evidence.

.....

Outside, as the officers left the mansion, the mayor appeared again at the door, hands in his pockets.

Detective, he said smoothly, I hope you understand.... my son has been under a lot of pressure lately. College, the media, family reputation. You’ll tread carefully, won’t you?

Rowan’s eyes didn’t flinch.

 I always do.

The mayor smiled thinly.

Good. Ravenswood doesn’t like… chaos.

As they walked back to the patrol car, Malik exhaled quietly.

 You felt it too, right?

 Yeah, Rowan said, eyes narrowing at the mansion through the rearview mirror. He’s hiding something. Both of them.

.....

Meanwhile, across town, Elena couldn’t sleep.

Amara’s room still smelled faintly of lavender and sea breeze, her favorite candle scent.

And in her dreams, Elena felt it..

Amara’s voice whispering her name through the dark.