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8

BRYN

Now

I’m surrounded by bright lights, thumping music, swirling fog. Everything around me demands my attention, but I can’t stop thinking about the masked man.

We’re halfway back to the rides when Tess nudges me.

‘Bryn? You good? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’

‘I’m fine,’ I say too quickly, adjusting the strap of my bag.

Elodie loops her arm through mine. ‘Girl, something happened in that maze. You came out looking like you’d seen a real-life demon or something.’

‘I was chased by this guy in a mask and he said my name. It wigged me out. He might be someone we used to go to school with … But I haven’t been here for years, I don’t know many people who’d recognise me.’

The girls both glance at me, looking confused and intrigued.

‘I don’t know anyone who works here, and I know everyone.’ Elodie frowns.

I shrug. ‘Maybe they look at people’s tickets, pair it with the photo we took on entry and then find the match. Really cement the fear in.’

‘Seems a bit excessive,’ Tess points out.

We move through the crowd. People laugh and scream, shoving past us in groups. My mind goes back to him, and a rush of heat floods me so fast I have to look away from my friends, hoping they won’t notice.

‘Seriously,’ Tess says, peering at me in concern. ‘You’re really flushed. Do we need to sit down? Get food? Water?’

‘I’m fine,’ I repeat, weakly.

The truth is, I’m not scared. I should be. I absolutely should be, but all I can think about is the way he chased me, how close he stood, how steady his breathing was while mine is rapid. He seemed familiar in a way that doesn’t make sense. Like deja vu I can’t place. Or maybe I just don’t want to place it.

I glance back toward the maze. Fog spills from the entrance, thick and patchy in the lights. The inside is pitch-black, punctured by a shifting mass of shadows and silhouettes as new groups wander in. He never appears, but my pulse jumps anyway.

Somewhere in that darkness, he’s in there. For the life of me, I can’t stop hoping he’s still watching.

9

BRYN

Five Years Ago

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

I keep pushing forward, my feet hitting the ground in even thumps. My long ponytail swishes against my shoulder blades. Birds chirp over me, nestled on tree branches high above.

My pace slows when I reach the point in the forest where I first saw Ash. Flashes of the fight come back to me in waves, making me dizzy. I can’t stop thinking about him and that kiss. I’d never been kissed before, and it was even better than I’d imagined it would be.

With my hands planted on my hips, I blow out a heavy breath, dabbing at the sweat on my face. My phone vibrates. Scampering to pick it up, I let out an excited squeal when I see his name.

Ash: How’s the weather where you are?

I quickly type out a response, then finish my run with a wide grin on my face. My heart sinks when I reach my driveway. The garage door is open and my stepfather is there, piling things into boxes.

‘What are you doing?’ I ask breathlessly, staring at the full boxes scattered across the floor.

‘There’s been a change of plans,’ he says gruffly, without meeting my eyes.