Seraphina sat on the edge of the couch, her clammy hands fidgeting together nervously. Her heart thudded in her chest, her mind running wild with guesses as to why her father had summoned Alan and his parents so suddenly. There had been an indication of trouble, but the tension in the room was palpable. Alan’s family sat stiffly on the other side, his parents exchanging quiet, grim looks. Alan himself appeared tense but composed, though his eyes betrayed something darker, something he was keeping just beneath the surface.
Jonathan, Seraphina's father, strode into the living room with heavy steps, his face a thundercloud of irritation. His deep-set eyes landed on Alan’s family, seated in his house as if they belonged there, and a sneer curled on his lips. "Not very good to see you here," h
