He studied me with intense eyes, as if searching for something beneath the surface. “There are things in these woods people don’t understand,” he said finally. “It’s best not to seek answers you might not want to find.”
A shiver ran down my spine, but I refused to back down. “I’m not afraid of the truth,” I retorted, trying to sound confident. “If there’s danger, people deserve to know.”
Mateo’s jaw tightened, and I thought he might close the door. But he sighed, a sound heavy with unspoken thoughts. “The truth isn’t always what people expect, Laura. Sometimes, it’s better to let certain things stay hidden.”
His mentioning of my name sent a jolt through me. And I felt an inexplicable pull toward him like standing on the brink of something I couldn’t fully understand.
Ignoring the voice in my head telling me to keep my distance, I stepped closer. “I can’t just walk away. People are scared and deserve answers. If you know something… anything, please tell me.”