What Happened Jane

Zara paced her room anxiously, biting her nails. Her sister, Isabelle, was supposed to be back for summer break-but she wasn't. And she wasn't picking up her calls either.

"Come on, Isa... pick up already," Zara muttered, pressing the call button for the fifth time.

Finally, Isabelle answered the FaceTime.

"Hey, Isa! Where are you? What's wrong?" Zara asked, her voice rising with concern.

The screen shook. Isabelle was running. Her phone wobbled in her hand, the scenery blurring behind her.

"His after me," Isabelle whispered, glancing over her shoulder.

Zara's heart skipped. "Who? What are you talking about? And why the hell are you running, girl?"

Isabelle looked directly into the camera, her face pale and terrified.

"The Monarchs. His after me... He want to kill me. I know what they did-I kno-"

Suddenly, her voice was cut off.

"AHHH!" Isabelle screamed as her phone hit the ground.

"Isa?! ISA!" Zara shouted at the screen.

The camera landed sideways, just in time to catch a tall figure step into frame.

wearing a black mask-with a golden crest etched into it.

Right in the center, written boldly: "4"

Then the screen went dark.

Zara tried calling again. Nothing.

Her sister's number now went straight to voicemail.

Panic rose in her throat.

⸻

Hours later, Zara heard the front door creak open. Her parents were back.

"Zara," her father called.

She rushed downstairs. "Hi, Mum. Hi, Dad. Did you hear from Isa?"

She tugged the rollers out of her red hair, smiling nervously-until she saw their faces.

Her mother's eyes were red. Her father's expression was cold.