From a short distance away, Veer's father had been watching silently. His usual stern expression faltered. For a long moment, he seemed frozen, as though he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then, slowly—almost against his will—a faint, bright smile curved his lips.
Suddenly, a shiver crawled down Kaya's spine. But it wasn't fear—it was that sharp, uncanny twinge she always felt when a bad premonition pressed at her chest. Slowly, she turned her head, and her eyes landed on Veer's father.
He was smiling. Brightly.
Kaya's breath caught. Her hand instinctively pressed against her chest, her face paling further. What the hell… is this person about to die? That was the only thought that struck her, absurd yet chilling. How could he… how could he smile at me like that?
Her throat burned raw from vomiting, her chest ached, and her body felt weak. She didn't have the strength to think deeper—or speak.
