A normal day in the Kishimoto Mansion—grand, quiet, and filled with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea from the kitchen. The only sound breaking the serene stillness was the soft melody of a guitar echoing through the garden.

  Yumio sat under the willow tree that swayed gently beside her bedroom window. Its long, silvery leaves brushed her shoulder as the breeze passed, creating a rhythm that danced in tune with her strumming. The garden had always been her favorite place in the entire mansion, a little haven of peace built especially for her when she was ten.

  She hummed softly as her fingers glided across the strings, playing the familiar lullaby she once sang at her debut—the same song that had reached Liam that night on the balcony. The memory made her cheeks warm as she smiled faintly.

  As the final note lingered in the air, a small sound interrupted her thoughts—a soft, curious meow. Yumio looked down to see a white kitten weaving around her ankles, its tail brushing against her leg.

  “Oh, Neira,” she said, her smile widening. She bent down and scooped the kitten into her arms, placing it gently on her lap. “You want to listen as well?”

  The cat meowed again, curling comfortably as if answering her question.

  “Alright then,” Yumio chuckled. “I’ll play something just for you.” She began to strum again, letting the notes flow freely, carried by the wind that brushed against her face. The sunlight filtered through the willow leaves, painting dappled shadows over her and Neira.

  As she played, her mind drifted back to her encounter with Liam—the mysterious boy with calm eyes and a guarded smile.

  “I’m really curious about Liam,” she murmured softly, more to herself than to Neira. “He’s a mystery. Don’t you think so?”

  Neira tilted her head and meowed as if in agreement.

  Yumio giggled quietly. “I hope I’ll be able to see him again. He’s so… unreadable. Like he’s hiding something—something important. Maybe even his identity.”

  Before she could get lost further in her thoughts, a loud voice startled her from across the garden.

  “Mio!”

  Yumio turned to see her older brother, Touya, approaching with his usual serious expression. His sleeves were rolled up, a sure sign he’d been working or reading again.

  She stopped playing and placed her guitar beside her. “What is it, Nii-san?”

  “Is my literature book with you?” he asked, brushing his bangs aside.

  She blinked. “Your literature book? Hmm, I don’t think so. How about you check the library? I’ll look around my room just in case.”

  Touya nodded, already turning away. “Alright. Thanks.”

  As soon as he was gone, Yumio stood, gently placing Neira back on the grass. “Don’t wander too far, okay?” she said with a playful wag of her finger. The kitten meowed in response, stretching before curling up under the shade.

  Yumio dusted off her dress and walked back into the mansion. The familiar scent of lavender polish greeted her as she climbed the stairs, her footsteps soft against the carpeted floor. She entered her room and began searching through her shelves and drawers.

  After a few minutes, something else caught her attention—an empty space on her vanity. Her heart skipped a beat.

  “My locket…” she whispered.

  Her hand flew to her neck, only to feel bare skin. She could’ve sworn she wore it on her debut. “Where is it?”

  She quickly started searching. Drawers flew open, books were moved, pillows were tossed aside. Stuffed animals were scattered across the floor as she turned her room upside down in desperation.

  “Where is it?!” she exclaimed in frustration, running her fingers through her hair.

  A soft knock came at the door.

  “Come in!” she called, sitting heavily on her bed.

  Akari peeked in, eyes widening slightly at the chaos. “Yumio… what happened here?”

  Yumio sighed. “I think I’ll be fine,” she said, rubbing her forehead. “Once I find my locket. It’s missing—I didn’t even realize it until earlier.”

  Akari sat beside her, scanning the messy room with a small smirk. “So this explains why your room looks like a hurricane hit it.”

  Yumio groaned, resting her elbows on her knees. “It’s driving me crazy. That locket is important to me.”

  Akari placed a comforting hand over Yumio’s. “Hey, don’t stress too much. I’m sure you’ll find it. Maybe you just misplaced it somewhere.”

  Yumio sighed again but smiled faintly. “You’re right. I just… can’t stop thinking about it.” She looked up at Akari. “What brings you here, anyway? Did Nii-san find his book? I was supposed to help but got… distracted.”

  Akari chuckled. “He found it in the library. He said he didn’t want to disturb you once he realized you were on a mission to find your precious locket.”

  Yumio pouted. “Well, mission failed.”

  Akari giggled. “Actually, that’s not why I came. I was wondering if you’re free later.”

  Yumio raised a brow. “Why?”

  “The girls are planning a hangout,” Akari said with a grin. “They wanted to know if you’d like to join.”

  Instantly, Yumio’s expression brightened. “Sure! I’d love to.”

  “Perfect!” Akari cheered, hugging her tightly. “You’ve been stressing too much lately. You need to unwind.”

  Yumio laughed softly. “I guess I do.”

  Akari smirked mischievously. “You know, I actually know the perfect way to help you relax.”

  Yumio eyed her suspiciously. “And what exactly does that mean?”

  Minutes later…

  “This was a bad idea!” Yumio shouted, her voice echoing through the kitchen as a cloud of flour rained down over her head.

  Akari was doubled over laughing. “You look like a clown!”

  “Oh yeah? Try this!” Yumio grabbed a handful of dough and hurled it at her.

  The sticky mass landed right in Akari’s hair.

  Akari gasped dramatically. “Now you’ve done it.”

  Before Yumio could dodge, a spoonful of whipped cream splattered against her cheek. Both of them paused for a moment—then burst into laughter.

  The kitchen became their battlefield, flour and dough flying through the air like snow in a storm. What was supposed to be baking quickly turned into a full-blown food fight.

  “Stop! You’re wasting the ingredients!” Yumio cried between giggles.

  “Oh, please,” Akari teased, throwing another handful of flour. “You call that wasting? That’s art!”

  They both laughed until their stomachs hurt, the tension in Yumio’s chest melting away completely. For the first time that day, she forgot all about her missing locket—and even Liam.

  The laughter, however, didn’t last long.

  The door suddenly creaked open. “Your friends are here, Akari-nee,” said Natsu, eyes glued to his handheld game console.

  Natsumi stood beside him, crossing her arms as she looked at the two flour-covered girls. “I won’t even ask.”

  Yumio and Akari froze, then exchanged sheepish chuckles.

  “They’re waiting for you in the living room,” Natsumi said flatly.

  “Alright, thanks, Natsu. Thanks, Sumi,” Akari said, trying to brush flour off her hair.

  “Make yourselves presentable,” Natsumi added dryly. “You two look like total disasters.”

  “Yeah, she’s right,” Natsu mumbled without looking up from his game.

  Yumio groaned, rolling her eyes. “Not helping, you two.”

  Akari giggled. “Come on, Mio. Let’s clean this mess up and get ready before the girls see us like this.”

  Yumio sighed in defeat but smiled. “On it.”

  As they began cleaning up the flour-covered kitchen, the sound of their laughter filled the mansion once again.

  “Sorry for the wait, girls,” Akari said as she and Yumio finally descended the grand staircase, their laughter echoing faintly in the vast hall. The faint smell of sugar and butter still clung to their clothes.

  Evelyn crossed her arms, smirking. “Did you two have that much fun baking?” she teased, reaching forward to wipe off a small bit of dough that was stuck to Yumio’s chin.

  Yumio laughed sheepishly. “Ane was just trying to cheer me up.”

  “Cheer you up?” Naomi asked, tilting her head in concern. “Why? Did something happen?”

  Yumio’s smile softened as her fingers instinctively reached for her bare neck. “It’s nothing too serious. I just… lost my locket. It’s really precious to me, and when I realized it was missing, I sort of panicked.”

  Akie stepped closer, gently resting a hand on Yumio’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. You’ll find it, Mio. Maybe it just slipped somewhere.”

  Yumio smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Akie-nee. I hope so.”

  Ariana clapped her hands, breaking the moment. “Alright, enough chit-chat, girls. Let’s get moving! Movie time!”

  The group cheered, following her as they headed upstairs toward the private theater room.

  “Wait—what?!” Yumio turned around when she saw Willow carrying a pillow and snacks. “We’re hanging out here at the house?”

  Willow laughed. “Yup! Ariana wanted to have a slumber party. Said it’s the perfect way for us to get to know you better.”

  Yumio’s expression softened. “That’s actually really sweet.”

  She quickly turned toward the kitchen and called out, “Neris, can you get us some popcorn and fruit? We’ll be in the theater room!”

  The maid’s voice echoed back from the kitchen. “Alright, mistress! What kind of fruits would you prefer?”

  “What do we have?” Yumio called back.

  “Let’s see… grapes, kiwis, blueberries, and your favorite—strawberries!”

  Yumio grinned. “Alright, that’s perfect! Oh, and please add some drinks too!”

  “With pleasure!” Neris replied cheerfully.

  By the time Yumio went back upstairs, the girls were already seated, arguing over the movie choice.

  “It has to be Pretty Woman,” Shayne insisted, clutching a pillow.

  “No way, Beauty and the Beast is a classic,” Hailey countered.

  Both turned as Yumio entered the room, smiling innocently.

  “Perfect timing, Mio,” Shayne said dramatically. “You get to decide. Pretty Woman or Beauty and the Beast?”

  Yumio blinked, looking at both sides—their expectant faces, their eager eyes. She laughed softly. “Hmm… I’ll go with Pretty Woman.”

  Half the girls groaned in defeat while the rest cheered.

  “Fine, fine,” Willow sighed, sinking into her seat. “But you’re picking next time too.”

  Yumio giggled. “Deal.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Oh—and by the way,” she added, “I had Neris prepare some snacks and drinks for everyone.”

  “Wow, really?” Evelyn said, eyes lighting up. “Thanks, Mio!”

  “No problem.” Yumio smiled warmly as the lights dimmed and the movie began.

  Not long after, Neris entered with trays full of popcorn and fruit salad bowls, each one customized. Yumio’s, as expected, had extra strawberries.

  The girls laughed, whispered, and made jokes throughout the movie. They even threw popcorn at each other during funny scenes. When Pretty Woman ended, they still had energy left for two more films—ending their mini marathon in a flurry of giggles and sleepy yawns.

  When the last credits rolled, Ariana stretched. “Alright, ladies, how about we move to Mio’s room?”

  “Sure!” the others chimed, and they all followed Yumio.

  Yumio opened the grand double doors to her room with a proud smile. “Welcome to my room!”

  Everyone gasped. The elegant room looked like something straight out of a royal palace. The soft pastel curtains, the warm chandelier light reflecting off the polished floor, and the faint floral scent made it feel like a fairy tale.

  Her queen-sized bed was adorned with silky sheets, a vanity filled with shining accessories, and a cabinet overflowing with shoes—mostly high heels.

  “Wow,” Naomi whispered in awe. “Your room is so magical and regal-looking.”

  Yumio chuckled modestly. “It’s nothing compared to Ane’s room—or the twins’. You should see theirs.”

  “Are you kidding me?!” Willow said, spinning in place. “This room is two or three times bigger than mine!”

  Yumio laughed, opening her wardrobe. “Well, how about a pajama party then?” She held up two pairs of cute pajamas. “I have lots to lend you guys!”

  That was all it took for the girls to squeal with excitement.

  Soon, the enormous walk-in closet turned into a mini runway. They started picking outfits while joking, dancing, and striking poses.

  “What theme should we have?” Sevan asked, rummaging through hangers.

  “How about kigurumi?” Akari suggested, eyes twinkling.

  “Kigu—what?” Chasey asked.

  “Animal or character onesies,” Akie explained with a grin.

  “Ohh!” the group chorused.

  “The kigurumis are over here,” Yumio said, pointing to another side of the closet. Sure enough, a collection of fluffy, colorful onesies was neatly displayed.

  Everyone gasped in delight and started choosing.

  First to walk out was Akari in a bunny kigurumi, hopping playfully and blowing kisses.

  “Elegant and adorable,” Hailey said, clapping.

  Next was Chasey, wearing a green dinosaur onesie, roaring dramatically. Everyone burst into laughter.

  Then came Miyana in a soft brown bear kigurumi.

  “It suits you!” Yuina shouted between giggles.

  Ariana emerged next, her fiery hair matching her fox kigurumi.

  “Very sly of you,” Hailey teased, earning laughter.

  Shayne followed in a dolphin kigurumi, attempting dolphin noises.

  “That doesn’t even sound like a dolphin,” Akie said flatly, and the room erupted in laughter again.

  Evelyn came next in a panda kigurumi—so cute that Miyana squealed and hugged her tightly.

  Willow strutted out in an owl onesie, wings spread wide.

  “Fits you,” Chasey teased. “Considering you read till dawn.”

  Willow rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide a smile.

  Yaiza emerged like a queen in a sparkling unicorn onesie, walking with exaggerated grace.

  “Oh my gods,” Naomi laughed, clutching her sides. “You look majestic.”

  Hailey followed, graceful in a deer kigurumi, while Sevan appeared next—wearing a dragon one.

  Naomi gasped. “I didn’t even know there was one!”

  “Dang it!” Yuina groaned. “That was supposed to be mine!”

  Akie came out in a shark kigurumi, pretending to chase everyone around. Naomi wore a raccoon one, Juliana a penguin, and the teasing began.

  “Don’t let Kio see you in that,” Willow said slyly.

  “He’d faint for sure,” Miyana added, and they both laughed as Juliana blushed furiously.

  Finally, Yuina appeared in a hedgehog onesie, followed by Yumio, who stepped out last in an adorable cat kigurumi.

  “Mio, you look so cute!” several girls squealed as she shyly waved her paw-shaped sleeve.

  The laughter and energy filled the room—until a soft thwack! sound cut through the noise.

  Everyone froze.

  Miyana was standing there, holding a pillow, grinning mischievously at Chasey—who had just been hit.

  “Oh, it’s on!” Chasey shouted.

  “Pillow fight!” Evelyn yelled, launching another pillow across the room.

  Feathers flew, laughter rang, and the entire room turned into chaos once again.

  After what felt like ages, they all collapsed in exhaustion, breathing heavily and laughing.

  “I’m so tired,” Akie groaned.

  “Same here,” Sevan said, lying flat on the carpet.

  Just then, a soft ding echoed from the dumbwaiter.

  Yumio crawled over and opened it to reveal glasses of iced tea and trays of snacks. “Neris is a lifesaver,” she said with a laugh.

  They sat together on the floor, snacking, chatting, and sharing stories. Some were funny, others heartfelt. The air was warm with friendship.

  After a few minutes, Miyana sat up suddenly. “Let’s go for a swim!”

  The room buzzed instantly.

  “But we didn’t bring any swimsuits,” Yaiza said.

  “Oh, don’t worry about that,” Yumio said confidently, walking toward her wardrobe again. She pulled open another section, revealing neatly arranged swimwear of every color and style. “I have plenty. You can borrow whichever you like.”

  The girls gasped.

  “You’re too kind, Mio,” Hailey said, clutching her chest dramatically.

  “Are you sure it’s alright?” Evelyn asked.

  Yumio nodded, smiling brightly. “Of course. I just can’t let you sit and watch while we have all the fun!”

  Akari grinned. “Alright, you heard her! Time to change!”

  They all rushed to the dressing rooms, laughing and chatting excitedly.

  When they descended toward the pool, the cool air of the mansion’s lower hall greeted them—and so did two familiar figures.

  “Hey, Kio, Rio!” Yumio greeted, waving at her twin brothers.

  Yukio and Yurio turned, both giving casual waves.

  But then—Juliana, distracted by the conversation, missed a step and stumbled. She would’ve fallen had Yukio not caught her in time, his arm wrapping securely around her waist.

  “I got you,” he said softly.

  Juliana froze, her heart racing. When she looked up, their eyes met—and both turned red instantly. She quickly straightened up, pulling away. “T-Thanks…”

  “Y-You’re welcome…” Yukio stammered, scratching the back of his neck. “H-Have fun.”

  “Y-Yeah… you too…” Juliana mumbled before hurrying to catch up with the girls.

  Behind them, Yurio smirked. “You’re blushing.”

  “I am not!” Yukio barked, his cheeks even redder.

  “Sure you’re not,” Yurio teased, laughing as they walked off.

  Juliana rejoined the others, who were all smiling knowingly.

  “What?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

  “Nothing,” Sevan said innocently, though her grin said otherwise.

  Juliana groaned, shaking her head. “Let’s just go already.”

  The girls laughed as they continued toward the pool, their laughter echoing through the grand halls of the Kishimoto Mansion—warm, bright, and full of life.

  As the afternoon sun began to dip behind the horizon, golden light spilled across the Kishimoto Mansion’s poolside windows, bathing the girls in a warm glow. They were lounging on the patio chairs, laughter still echoing from their earlier games. Ariana stretched, holding a half-finished glass of iced tea.

  “Alright, let’s play one last game before dinner,” she suggested.

  “What kind of game?” Naomi asked, swirling her drink with a straw.

  A mischievous smirk curved Miyana’s lips. “Truth or Dare.”

  Everyone groaned and laughed at once, but they agreed anyway. They sat in a circle on the soft carpet of the entertainment room, the scent of vanilla-scented candles wafting through the air. A bottle was placed in the center, glinting faintly under the chandelier’s light.

  They spun it, the glass clinking faintly against the marble floor. One by one, questions were asked, and dares were made—some funny, some embarrassing. The energy was playful and free, the kind of atmosphere only close friends could create.

  Until it was Yumio’s turn.

  “Yumio,” Miyana said with a teasing grin, “truth or dare?”

  “Truth,” Yumio replied confidently, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

  Miyana leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “Who was your first crush?”

  Yumio blinked, then smiled softly, almost nostalgically. “Easy. The boy I met when I was four. I remember his name was Lee.”

  The others exchanged glances—partly amused, partly surprised by how easily she answered.

  “Was that before you got sick?” Evelyn asked gently.

  Yumio nodded. “Yeah. Before everything changed.” Her voice softened, a tinge of melancholy lacing her words. But she quickly smiled again, brushing it off. “Alright, who’s next?”

  “It’s your turn to spin the bottle,” Yuina said, grinning as she pointed to the center.

  Yumio spun it, and the bottle spun round and round, the faint hum of the air conditioner filling the quiet anticipation. It finally stopped—pointing directly at Juliana.

  A sly grin formed on Yumio’s lips. “Juliana, truth or dare?”

  “Truth,” Juliana said, her voice calm—but everyone could already see the uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

  Yumio crossed her arms and leaned forward, her grin widening. “Do you like Yukio?”

  “W-what?!” Juliana nearly choked on her breath, her cheeks immediately turning crimson.

  “You heard me,” Yumio teased, eyes glinting mischievously.

  “C-can I change my answer to dare?” Juliana stammered, covering her face with her hands.

  “Alright,” Yumio said with a laugh. “Then I dare you to kiss Kio.”

  The group erupted into laughter and squeals. Juliana’s face was now completely red.

  “Yumio!” she exclaimed, throwing a pillow at her.

  “Relax,” Akari said, smiling reassuringly. “It’s just a joke. We won’t tell Kio.”

  Juliana sighed, cheeks still pink. She hesitated before mumbling, “It’s true… I like Kio. Please don’t tell him.”

  Yumio’s teasing grin softened into a warm smile. “Don’t worry. He won’t need us to tell him. I think he likes you too.”

  Juliana froze, then quickly buried her face in a pillow as everyone burst into laughter again.

  The warmth of the moment lingered even as the sun dipped lower. The room glowed in shades of amber, and soft chatter filled the air as they began discussing dinner plans.

  Later, Yumio excused herself to head downstairs. The echo of her footsteps filled the long, polished hallway as she made her way to the kitchen. Most of the girls had voted for Italian cuisine—pasta, garlic bread, and tiramisu for dessert—so she went to relay their order to the chefs and maids.

  On her way back, she passed by her parents’ study. The door was slightly ajar, and faint voices drifted through the crack. She paused, recognizing the tone of her father’s voice—low, weary, and troubled.

  “I fear for Yumio,” Takeshi said with a heavy sigh. “She grows more like her each day.”

  Her breath caught. Who is he talking about?

  “Keshi,” her mother, Emi, said softly, “you can’t blame her for being who she is. She’s your daughter. Our daughter.”

  “I understand that,” Takeshi said, his tone firm but strained. “But I’m still afraid for her. Sometimes, I feel like locking her up here again.”

  Yumio’s heart stopped for a moment. Lock me up? Again?

  Her pulse quickened. They had promised—no more isolation, no more restrictions after her eighteenth birthday. Why would he want to do that again?

  Emi’s voice was laced with worry. “Then you’ll be breaking your promise. She’ll never forgive you for it. You know she deserves to see the world.”

  “I have to, Emi,” Takeshi said, rubbing his temples. “For her safety.”

  Emi fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again. “You know she won’t understand. You can’t protect her from everything.”

  “As long as she isn’t seen by the Valencias,” Takeshi muttered bitterly. “They might destroy her—like they did with Bambi.”

  Yumio’s eyes widened. Bambi? Aunt Bambi, Ariana’s mother?

  She pressed a hand to her chest as confusion and dread filled her mind. What does she have to do with this? Why does Father think the Valencias would hurt me?

  Her heart raced. There were too many questions—and not enough answers.

  As evening settled over the Kishimoto Mansion, the once-vibrant laughter that filled the rooms began to soften into the calm hum of nighttime comfort. The garden lights outside flickered on, casting a warm, amber glow through the tall glass windows. The faint sound of crickets echoed from beyond the walls, blending with the muffled chatter of the girls in the lounge.

  Ariana, who had been laughing along with the others just moments ago, noticed Yumio sitting quietly by the window. While everyone else was busy setting up microphones and songbooks for karaoke, Yumio seemed lost in thought, her gaze distant and her hands clasped together as if holding onto an invisible weight.

  Ariana frowned slightly and walked over, her footsteps soft against the marble floor.

  “Hey,” she said gently.

  Yumio looked up from her thoughts and smiled faintly. “Hey.”

  Ariana sat down beside her on the long velvet couch, studying her cousin’s face. The glow of the chandelier above caught the subtle sheen in Yumio’s eyes—a mixture of tiredness and something deeper.

  “How are you feeling?” Ariana asked.

  “I’m feeling fine,” Yumio replied quickly, her tone too light to be convincing.

  Ariana tilted her head. “Mio, don’t lie to me. I know when you’re not feeling well.”

  Yumio didn’t respond at first. Her eyes drifted toward the glass, where her reflection seemed fragile under the dim light. She bit her lip, unsure of how to explain the tangled emotions inside her.

  Ariana leaned forward slightly, voice soft. “You won’t tell me?”

  “It’s not that I don’t want to…” Yumio finally said, turning her head away. Her voice was low, almost trembling. “I just can’t tell.”

  Her mind echoed the words she couldn’t say aloud—I can’t tell you it has something to do with Aunt Bambi… or what I overheard Father and Mother talking about.

  She stole a brief glance at Ariana, whose gentle expression only made it harder to keep the secret.

  Ariana let out a quiet sigh, though her eyes softened. “Alright. Just tell me when you’re ready,” she said, reaching out to pat Yumio’s back reassuringly. “You have us here for you, okay? You’re never alone in this.”

  Yumio’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Ria.”

  “Anytime.” Ariana smiled back, her warmth cutting through the lingering tension. “Now come on, join us. You can’t just sit here moping while everyone else is having fun.”

  “What are you guys doing?” Yumio asked, standing reluctantly.

  “We’re planning to do karaoke,” Ariana said with a mischievous grin.

  “Again? It’s already evening.” Yumio raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, but that’s what makes it fun!” Miyana’s voice piped up from across the room as she ran toward them, holding two microphones.

  Yumio sighed, the corners of her lips twitching upward. “You guys are impossible.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Miyana said, handing her one of the microphones. “Now let’s sing until Ani comes down and scolds us for being too loud again!”

  Yumio laughed, the sound finally breaking through the heaviness that had been weighing on her chest. For now, she chose to let the worries fade, at least for the night.

  Meanwhile, across the city, the grand halls of the Valencia Estate glowed with the pale light of crystal chandeliers. The vast mansion was quiet, its high ceilings echoing faint footsteps and the faint ticking of an antique clock.

  In his study, the head of Valencia Co., Lucero Valencia, stood by the tall glass window, gazing at the glittering skyline of the city below. His reflection looked stern, almost cold, but beneath that surface was a trace of worry only his wife could see.

  “I worry for our son’s well-being,” Phoebe said softly as she entered the room. Her silk dress rustled as she approached him, her voice carrying both fear and tenderness. “He’s growing more and more like him.”

  Lucero’s jaw tightened, and he turned slightly, his eyes shadowed. “I worry for him as well.”

  He took her hand gently, caressing it with his thumb—a rare show of affection from a man so often seen as stoic. “He’s walking a path far too familiar. And if he isn’t careful…” His gaze returned to the window, the city lights reflecting in his eyes. “He might end up sharing the same fate as Lucretius.”

  Phoebe’s breath hitched. “Don’t say that name here…” she whispered, fear flashing in her eyes. “You’ll only draw misfortune upon him.”

  Lucero said nothing more. The room fell silent, heavy with unspoken memories and ghosts of the past. Outside, thunder rumbled faintly in the distance—as if warning that old secrets were stirring once again.