Ariana’s POV
Something wasn’t right.
I felt it before anyone said a word.
It sat in my chest like a warning—quiet, heavy, impossible to ignore.
“Come with me.”
I turned.
Damien stood at the doorway, already dressed, already composed.
But his eyes—
They were sharper than usual.
Colder.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Now.”
No explanation.
Of course.
I followed him anyway.
We moved quickly through the halls of the mansion, past servants who lowered their heads and stepped aside without question. The air itself felt tense, like the house knew something had shifted.
His study door shut behind us with a firm click.
Then—
He turned to me.
“She is not missing.”
My breath caught.
“What do you mean?”
He walked to his desk and picked up a folded paper.
Not official.
Not stamped.
Jus
