Seraphina unlocked the door to her apartment, her hands trembling slightly as she turned the key. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her and leaning against it for a moment.
The encounter with Alex had left her shaken, and she needed a few seconds to gather herself.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the living room and dropped her bag on the couch. The space felt unusually quiet, amplifying the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind.
She replayed the interaction with Alex, his intense gaze, the way he had held her arm, the cryptic words he had spoken. She felt a mix of anger and nostalgia tugging at her heart.
Moving to the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of water, hoping it would calm her nerves. As she sipped, her eyes drifted to the small bouquet of peonies on
