The day of Daniel’s departure to university dawned with an air of bittersweet excitement. The Hawthorne household buzzed with activity as bags were loaded into the family’s sleek black SUV. Scarlett watched from the doorway, her heart heavy with the knowledge that her brother's departure marked another turning point in her life.
Her father stoic as ever, gave Daniel a firm handshake and a rare clap on the shoulder. Their mother, fussed over the details, ensuring Daniel had everything he needed for his new apartment.
Scarlett, however, felt a mix of pride and dread. Pride because Daniel had worked hard to secure a spot at one of the best universities in the city, Stormhaven University. Dread because she knew what the city meant for their family—Grey Mercer’s territory and the beginning
