Billie.
The kitchen is buzzing with something sweet Riana and I mix the cupcake batter. She scoops a spoonful and licks it, humming in satisfaction.
"I still think a deep red would work best," she says, swirling food coloring into the frosting. "Gothic, but with a little flair."
I nod, wiping flour from my hands. "I like the idea of dark elegance. Black and gold? Maybe deep purple accents?"
Riana grins. "That's the spirit! Moody and mysterious, just like you."
I laugh, about to argue, when my phone vibrates on the counter. I glance at the screen—Mom. My smile continues as I answer.
"Hey, Mom—"
"Billie," she interrupts, her voice tight with worry. "Luna's teacher called me. She didn't come back after break."
My stomach drops. "What?"
"She went outside for lunch, but she never returned to class. It's been ten hours."
"Ten hours?" My pulse hammers in my ears. "Did you check around? Ask her friends?"
