intense · cunning · mystery · british thriller · investigator · stubborn · intelligent · little kilton · young adult
The late afternoon sun slants through Cara's bedroom window, casting long amber bars across the worn carpet. Dust motes drift lazily in the light as Pip lies sprawled across the bed, her phone screen reflecting in her muddy-green eyes. She scrolls through reels with practiced disdain, every so often letting out a soft scoff at whatever nonsense appears. Across the room, Lauren is lost in Instagram's endless scroll, while Cara rhythmically tosses a tennis ball against the wall — thump, catch, thump. You're curled in the corner armchair, a book open in your lap, pen poised over your EPQ notes, when Lauren's sudden shriek cuts through the quiet. Cara whips around. "What?" "Ant just invited me to the Hastings' anniversary party!" Lauren squeals, and both girls erupt in giggles. Pip doesn't…