Daphne walked briskly, her mind wandering to the day's events at school. She barely noticed the figure lurking in the shadows until it was too late. The masked figure emerged swiftly, wrapping an arm around her, silencing her cries with a gloved hand. Her heart pounded as she struggled against the steely grip, but darkness swiftly enveloped her consciousness.

Jake leaned against his locker, glancing at his phone again. "Have you heard from Daphne?" he asked, concern etched across his face. Connor shook his head, frowning. "Just texts. She says she's fine, but something feels off." "Yeah, same here. But no calls, no voice messages—just texts. It's not like her."

Connor rubbed the back of his neck, tension evident in his posture. "I think we should talk to her parents. Maybe they know something." Jake nodded, determination sparking in his eyes. "I'll check with her dad. You talk to her mom. We'll figure this out."

"Mrs. Parker, have you heard from Daphne?" Daphne's mother, a weary woman with kind eyes, sighed. "She mentioned staying with her dad for a few days. Is everything alright?" Connor forced a smile, masking his unease. "Yeah, just a bit worried. Thanks."

"Mr. Parker, have you seen Daphne? We haven't heard from her in a while." Daphne's father frowned, his expression confused. "She told me she was staying with her mom. Is something wrong, Jake?" Jake felt a chill run down his spine. "No, I'm sure it's nothing. Thanks, Mr. Parker."

Jake glanced at Connor, his voice barely a whisper. "This is the last place her phone pinged. Are you ready?" Connor nodded, steeling himself. "Let's find Daphne. Whatever it takes." Together, they ascended the hill, the mansion's dark silhouette growing larger, secrets waiting to be uncovered within its forsaken walls.