Violet’s heart was pounding as she rushed home, but Julian was nowhere to be found.
She pulled out her phone and texted him: Where are you? I need to talk to you—it’s urgent.
He replied almost immediately: Out with some friends. I’ll be back before midnight.
There were still three hours to go. She tried to distract herself, pacing, making tea—anything to keep busy. By 11:50, she was sitting in the living room, fidgeting. When the clock struck twelve, the door was still closed.
She knew she shouldn’t bother him. It was late, and even if Julian could help, he probably couldn’t do anything until morning anyway. But this wasn’t just anything—it was Lilia’s life on the line. If she could just talk to him tonight, maybe, she could get help faster.
She called him—no answer. Then she dialed O
