A Whisper in the Dark

Jess wiped the sweat from her brow as she stepped into the coffee shop, still breathing heavily from her morning run. The early summer sun had already begun to rise higher, warming the streets, but inside, the café was cool and welcoming. She ordered an iced coffee, taking a seat at a corner table near the window, tapping her fingers lightly against the cup as she waited for the others to arrive.

The plan was simple—meet up, map out their summer, and strategize their next trip to Sleepy Hollow. They were done hesitating. It was time to get answers.

Jess pulled out her phone, checking for messages. Nothing from Ryan, nothing from Kevin. Just another morning.

And then, a voice—low, steady, and far too close.

"Don’t turn around."

Jess froze. The voice came from the table directly behind her. A chill ran down her spine. Her fingers tightened around her cup.

"You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into," the voice continued. It was male, calm, but with an edge of warning. "Exposing Project Prometheus is dangerous. You need to stop."

Jess’s heart pounded. "Who are you?" she asked quietly, careful not to turn her head.

A pause. "Someone who knows what happens to people who ask too many questions."

She swallowed hard. "Why should I believe you?"

A rustle of fabric, the scrape of a chair being pushed back slightly. "Because I’ve seen what they do to those who don’t listen. If you keep digging, you and your friends won’t just be chasing shadows. You’ll be running for your lives."

Jess's mouth went dry. "Why tell me this?"

"Because you still have a choice. Walk away while you can. Before it’s too late."

A sudden silence followed. Jess finally turned her head, pulse hammering in her ears—but the seat behind her was empty. She looked around the café, but no one seemed out of place. Whoever he was, he was gone. The bell above the door jingled. Leanna stepped inside, scanning the shop before spotting Jess.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked, sliding into the seat across from her. "You look like you just saw a ghost."

Jess took a slow breath. "Maybe I did."

She glanced at the empty chair again, her skin crawling with unease.

Leanna frowned. "What happened?"

Jess hesitated. Then, leaning in closer, she whispered, "I think we’re being watched. And they don’t want us to go to Sleepy Hollow."

Leanna’s eyes darkened. "Well, now we *have* to go."

Jess wasn’t sure if that was bravery or recklessness. Either way, the decision was made. They weren’t stopping now.