SERAPHINA’S POV
The first sign that something was wrong was how quiet the street felt.
Not empty. Just restrained. Like the city was holding its breath.
I noticed it as I locked the café door that evening, fingers lingering on the metal longer than usual. The sky was bruised with dusk, that soft purple gray that usually makes everything feel slower, gentler. Tonight it felt like camouflage.
Aurora had left early, called away by Matteo for something she rolled her eyes about but didn’t argue. I didn’t ask questions. I had learned that answers come whether you invite them or not.
I stepped onto the sidewalk and started walking, phone in hand, senses sharp.
This wasn’t fear.
This was awareness.
Alessio had warned me the pressure was rising. I had heard it in his voice, the careful ba
