Music echoed through the luxurious Hawthorne Estate as wealthy guests celebrated the engagement of one of the city's most influential families. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished marble floors while waiters moved silently through the ballroom carrying silver trays filled with champagne.
Everything appeared perfect.
Until a scream shattered the evening.
"Please... stop!"
Every head turned toward the grand staircase.
Emily Carter, wearing a flowing blue evening gown, stumbled backward as someone shoved her with terrifying force.
She desperately reached for the polished handrail.
Her fingers missed.
She crashed onto the marble steps.
The sound echoed through the mansion as she rolled helplessly downward before finally collapsing at the bottom of the staircase.
The music stopped.
Champagne glasses slipped from trembling hands.
No one moved.
Guests stared in horror from the balcony above.
For a long moment...
Only silence remained.
Emily lay motionless, struggling to breathe.
Blood slowly stained the edge of her blue dress.
Then a voice broke through the panic.
"I'm here!"
Daniel Hawthorne sprinted across the ballroom.
Ignoring the stunned crowd, he dropped to his knees beside Emily and gently lifted her into his arms.
"Stay awake."
His voice trembled despite his effort to remain calm.
Emily's breathing became shallow.
Her eyes searched the crowded staircase.
Someone...
She was looking for someone.