Aspen did not say a word. Her lips trembled as she crouched down, reaching toward the skeleton. Her fingers found the metal ring resting on the bony remains of a hand. She pulled it free, her breath catching in her throat.

It was a signet ring—made of reinforced alloy, untouched by the decay around it. Etched into the surface was a single word: Woods.

Aspen's mind went blank for a moment before a wave of dread crashed over her. She mumbled, "Mr. Woods… is dead."

Her heart pounded erratical