The wind outside whispered through the trees, but inside the room, the air was heavy. Seraphina leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. "Think about it, Aunt. No matter what you do, no matter how hard you try to escape… you can't. And neither can he. In the end, all of you will have to face it."
Elise and Arthur's expressions darkened. The weight of her words pressed deep into their hearts. Elise's fingers curled slightly over her teacup, her eyes drifting toward the floor. Arthur sat silently, brows furrowed, lips tight.
They both knew what Seraphina was talking about. All the people who once supported them, all their well-wishers… were either dead or ruined. All because of a past Elise never chose. A shadow she tried so hard to leave behind, but one that kept following her.
