Chapter 1

I encountered my neighbor's older brother, who had gone missing a year ago, on my first visit to a nightclub after getting into college.

He had his arms around two scantily-clad women, looking like a good-for-nothing.

When he saw me, his gaze flashed across my chest before he clicked his tongue dismissively.

Later, he pinned me against the wall in a corner, his finger pressed against my lips as he leaned in, demanding I call him by name.

That's when I realized.

He wasn't my Ethan Parker.

I met Ethan Parker in the dim hallway of Nightshade.

Nightshade was the biggest entertainment venue in the city, attracting all sorts of people.

My roommate Lucy was celebrating her birthday and had reserved a private room at Nightshade.

I arrived late and was about to call to ask for the room number when I heard the laughter of men and women echoing from the far end of the hallway.

A group appeared at the end of the corridor. I was going to turn away to avoid them, but I froze when I recognized one of the men.

That face I had dreamed of countless times, only to wake up startled. The one I had spent nearly every day with for over a decade.

My childhood friend, Ethan Parker, who had been presumed dead in the river a year ago according to the police.