The next day came far too soon for Catherine. She wanted to pretend to be sick or try to reason with Molly, but there was no point—not at this stage. Whether Catherine liked it or not, she was going to Phoenix Astar’s private island estate and likely staying the night. Grumpily packing her bag, she tried the “I don’t feel well” routine on Molly, but Molly wasn’t having it—not today. Not when she was meeting with her supposed soulmate.

Molly was ecstatic, lost in her world, skipping around the apartment as she blasted Phoenix's song. Catherine's eyes twitched at the same irritating lyrics that shook her to the core.

Demons, they live inside us all.

Demons, they will make me crawl.

Demons, they made me fall.

Oooh, they made me fall.

Demons, all in the night

Demons, they make me fight

Demons - it’s just not right.

It’s just not right. Oooh. Oooh.

Demons, they live inside us all.

Demons, they will make me crawl.

Demons, they made me fall.

Oooh, they made me fall.

Catherine wanted to tell Molly to put on headphones but couldn’t bring herself to dampen her friend’s excitement. Molly had even set a special alert tone for Phoenix’s messages, grinning at her phone like an idiot. Catherine couldn’t take away her happiness, even if she was convinced Phoenix was some kind of monster. She just needed to figure out how to guide her best friend away from him, which clearly wasn’t happening right now, so she reluctantly prepared herself to enter the lion's den with Molly.

After a light breakfast, their chauffeur arrived—a large, stoic man who was clearly a security guard first and a personal driver second. He offered to get them food and, thankfully, didn’t play any music, which was a small relief for Catherine.

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The trip was long and windy, taking them to the docks where they boarded a ferry, traveling across rough seas to Phoenix’s private island. Catherine had never known anyone to own an island before. It was sort of cool, if Phoenix wasn’t evil, which she was now sure he was. Upon arrival, more security checked them for weapons before another driver escorted them across the island by car. Despite the cloudy sky and darkening terrain, the island's tranquility was evident.

Catherine noted the excessive security, even for a celebrity of Phoenix’s stature. It was not a small island and Phoenix’s estate was hidden away in the middle of nowhere, layered with security measures and cameras. As they passed through big iron wrought gates and drove up a cobblestone driveway to the giant, castle-like mansion, the imposing structure loomed over them with dark bricks, tall trees, and minimal lighting.

“Wow,” Molly said, in awe. “We are actually here. We’re actually at Phoenix Astar’s private island estate.”

“Good thing he has other houses,” Catherine remarked, thinking that coming home to this fortress every day would be a hassle.

“Yeah.” Molly nodded. “I heard he has 12 houses, but that’s probably just a rumor.”

After seeing the mansion, Catherine wasn’t so sure.

Phoenix had assured them they could park anywhere, so they stopped close to the front entrance. Catherine took in the sight of the over-sized veranda circling the house, the dimmed lighting, and the giant gargoyle statues with eyes that seemed to follow them, staring into their souls.

“This place is so creepy,” Catherine commented. “It’s like there’s darkness hanging over it.”

“I don’t know, I would find it creepy if he lived in a bright, rainbow house—that to me would be a giant red flag. Not this. This is what I expected, to be honest.” Molly unclasped her seatbelt and got out of the car.

Reluctantly, Catherine followed.

She locked the car, though she wasn’t sure why she bothered—no one else was out there, and there was more security here than at a police station. She waved to a security camera that seemed to be tracking them, then they stepped toward the giant mansion.

If this was the outside, Catherine wondered what the inside held.

Molly rang the doorbell, which was an intercom. Phoenix’s voice responded almost instantly, “I’ll be down in a sec,” he told them.

Catherine folded her arms, circling around the veranda. It was tranquil here, she had to admit—peaceful. She gazed up at the light clouds moving gracefully around the giant, full moon.

As she stood there, Catherine couldn't shake the feeling that she was stepping into another world. The island's isolation, the looming mansion, and the eerie tranquility all combined to create an atmosphere that was both alluring and unsettling. She found herself thinking of gothic novels, of hidden secrets and tragic heroes. Was that what Phoenix was? A tragic hero with a dark secret? Or was he something far more sinister? The rational part of her mind scoffed at such melodramatic thoughts, but in this surreal setting, anything seemed possible.

Then the door opened.