The estate felt different that night. Not quieter — it was never quiet with Lily around — but tighter, like the air itself was watching.
Sophie stood in the hallway outside Lily’s room, her hand was resting lightly on the half-closed door. Inside, Lily was sitting with her legs crossed on the bed with a book open in front of her. The desk lamp shined on her dark hair as she read, completely unaware of the storm circling her life.
For a moment, Sophie just watched.
Ten years of protecting this child. Ten years of building a life where danger meant overdue bills or a broken heater — not corporate wars and anonymous threats. And now everything has changed.
Lily turned a page and looked up. “Mom?”
Sophie straightened quickly, pushing the worry out of her voice. “Yes?”
“You’re staring aga
