The morning light crept into the penthouse like a thief, golden and sharp. Rayan barely slept—his body stiff, his mind buzzing with Kael's words. Just like them. The thought gnawed at him, leaving him hollow.
Downstairs, Senna was already at work. She moved with an elegance that made her presence seem harmless, almost soothing. She offered the staff gentle smiles, whispered soft comments that seemed innocent but were laced with venom.
"Poor Rayan," she murmured to the head maid as she set down a tray. "Kael must be… overwhelming for him. He's always had that… intensity. You know how suffocating it can be."
The maid hesitated, uneasy, but Senna's tone was too casual to raise alarm. The seed was planted.
When Rayan finally stepped into the dining room, his eyes flickered to Senna. She smiled, warm, inviting, too perfect.
"Good morning, Rayan. Did you rest well?" she asked, her voice dripping with sympathy.
