Unfolding it, I read the scrawled handwriting, my breath catching as the words sank in.
Nathaniel, I’m sorry for what we did. I never wanted you to carry this burden alone. Forgive me—Mother.
The room spun as the letter fell from my trembling hands.
“What burden?” I whispered to the empty room.
My phone buzzed, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. It was a message from Nathaniel:
“Meet me at the docks. Midnight.”
My stomach twisted. I didn’t know what awaited me there, but one thing was clear: I was about to uncover the truth—or be destroyed by it.
