Love in the Echoes of Time

Evelyn's lungs burned as she and Rosaline ran through the sprawling gardens. The scent of roses and damp earth filled the air, but there was no time to admire the beauty of the Whitmore estate at night. The shadows seemed to shift around them, the moonlight barely penetrating the dense foliage.

"We need to find a place to hide," Rosaline whispered urgently, glancing over her shoulder. "Davenport won't stop until he has that book."

Evelyn clutched the book tighter against her chest. "Why does he want it so badly?"

Rosaline hesitated before answering. "Because it holds the truth about you."

Evelyn skidded to a stop near a stone fountain, her heart hammering. "What do you mean?"

Rosaline grabbed her hand and pulled her toward a hedge-covered alcove. "Not here. We don't have time."

The urgency in Rosaline's voice left no room for argument. They slipped into the alcove just as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the garden paths. Evelyn pressed her back against the cold stone wall, her breath shallow as she listened.

"I know you're out here," Davenport's voice called, smooth and unhurried. "You can run all you like, but this estate is mine. You will not leave without my permission."

Evelyn swallowed hard. Rosaline's grip on her arm tightened.

Davenport's voice was closer now. "I wonder, Miss Evelyn… have you considered what will happen when this world decides to reject you?"

Evelyn bit her lip, forcing herself to stay silent. The book felt heavier in her grasp, as if the answers inside were pressing against her skin. The truth about me? What could it possibly say?

A moment passed, then another. The garden was silent except for the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Then, a whisper.

A voice so soft it sent shivers down Evelyn's spine. "You don't belong here…"

Evelyn's breath hitched. She turned to Rosaline, but her friend's eyes were wide with confusion—she had heard it too.

The whisper came again, this time closer. "Find the door before it's too late."

Evelyn clutched the book tighter, every nerve in her body on edge. This wasn't just about Lord Davenport anymore. Something—someone—was trying to reach her. And they were running out of time.

Rosaline grabbed her hand. "We need to leave. Now."

Evelyn nodded, but as they prepared to move, she couldn't shake the feeling that the whisper wasn't a warning.

It was a plea.