Light, measured footsteps sounded in the room and Serenity felt her spine stiffen, “How did you find me?”  “I looked everywhere else and you weren’t there.” Xander took a seat on the floor beside her and brought his knees to his chest, mirroring her position.  “I’m surprised you didn’t just call Daniel.” She chuckled dryly.  “Oh I did.” Xander scoffed, “You shouldn’t be here, it’s not safe and you know that.” He looked around at the stone wall of the mansion, he had to admit the place felt a lot more like home than his parent’s house did. “Oh please enlighten me

“Don’t look so frightened, Chica. I don’t bite, unless you ask me to.” José whispered in Serenity’s ear and laughed mirthlessly when the hairs at the back of her neck stood. “José, I’d say it’s nice to see you again, but we both know I’d be lying.” Serenity squared her shoulders and offered him a sarcastic smirk. José’s hand flew to his heart in mock hurt, “You wound me, Chica.” He cackled and took a seat across from her. “Whatever, did you get what I asked for?” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “Si, it’s all on here.” He slid the flash drive across the table, but before Serenity could take it, his fingers tightened, “I must warn you though, you’re not gonna like it.” He looked at her seriously. “I was counting on it.” She gritted and forced the stick from his hand and plugged it into her phone to transfer the files. “You got what you need.” José nodded and took the stick that she handed him. “One tin of pringles.” She retrieved the tin from her bag and slid it across the ta

“Yeah, it’s me.” His voice sounded hoarse, like he hadn’t used it in days.  “Teo, where are you, are you okay?” She nearly sobbed through the phone. “I’m… okay. Listen, Ser, I don’t have a lot of time, is Enzo or Xander there?” He whispered on the other end and Serenity scrambled after Enzo.  “Enzo! Where are you!” She raced towards his room and stopped short when she threw open the door and found him already facing her.  He frowned at her behaviour, “What-?”  “Matteo.” Was all she said and put the phone on speaker. 

Stepping out of the closet the clock on her nightstand read past midnight and Serenity felt the exhaustion of the day set in.  All she wanted was to cuddle under the covers and forget the world existed, but just as she took another step in that direction she felt a rough hand close around her mouth, muffling the scream that bubbled in her throat. A large body trapped her against the wall and Serenity’s eyes widened in terror.  ‘This is it, my nine lives have run out.’ The thought invaded her mind as the man’s breath fanned her face, he smelled faintly of whiskey and musk.  There was something familiar about it and Serenity chanced a look at his eyes, they were hardly visible in the pitch d

“Can you hear what they’re saying?” Julio whispered with a concentrated frown on his face. “Not really, but that voice sounds familiar.” Serenity bit her lip and looked at him, “We have to get closer.” She knew it was a bad idea and so did Julio by the look on his face. “Come on.” He motioned for her to follow him.  The two crept around to the front of the house where the voices were more recognisable thanks to the broken window. They were still partially hidden from the road by an overgrown bush and the long grass, but if someone were to step onto the porch they would easily be spotted.  “ -Not saying a word, I don’t know how much more he c