Riley POV
The storm began before dinner and became worse with every passing hour.
Rain struck the windows in heavy sheets, while the wind bent the trees around the mansion so violently that their branches scratched against the glass. Every few minutes, thunder rolled across the sky, deep enough to shake the walls, followed by flashes of lightning that turned the dark gardens white for a second.
I hated storms.
Not rain.
Rain could be beautiful when it fell softly and gave people an excuse to remain indoors. Thunder was different. Thunder was loud, sudden, and impossible to control. It reminded me of nights from my childhood when I would hide beneath my blankets and wait for my mother to come into my room.
She always came.
Until she did not.
I had never told anyone that storms still
