Icy Betrayal

The resounding splash echoed like a gunshot across the desolate winter estate. Standing on the slippery, frozen edge of the artificial lake during the deepest, most biting part of the season, Clara stared in raw horror at the churning, icy water. Eleanor and Lila had just vanished beneath the dark, unforgiving surface.

Without a single second of hesitation, Clara tore the thick scarf from her nec