**Luca’s POV**
I barely slept after overhearing Uncle Karan on the phone. The words kept circling in my head. *If the girl won’t stop investigating, make sure she can’t continue.* They weren’t just watching Sophia anymore. They were planning something real. Soon.
I got ready for school early and left before anyone could stop me. The driver didn’t ask questions. I kept my phone off the whole ride, just in case.
At school, I stayed away from the main hallways. I saw Sophia once near the lockers with Riya. She looked tired, but she was still standing straight, still determined. Leo was with them, laughing at something. My stomach twisted. I turned down a different corridor before she could see me.
During the free period I went to the darkroom. The familiar smell of chemicals usually calme
