The next morning sunlight finally broke through the clouds
The rain had stopped
The city looked softer cleaner
But Emma's heart was heavy
She stood by the window holding a cup of tea
Watching children run through puddles
Laughter rising from the streets
But her thoughts were elsewhere
Behind her Damon walked into the room
Still drying his hair from the shower
He looked at her
You are quiet today
She turned slightly
I was thinking about what happened
And what it means for us
He stepped closer
Wrapped his arms around her waist from behind
It means we survived again
Together
Yes
But what if next time he does not come with warnings
What if he goes after someone else
Damon's expression turned sharp
If he does
I will burn down every street he walks on
Emma turned to face him fully
I am not asking for revenge
I am asking for peace
Is that even possible in your world
He looked down at her
Not always
But with you beside me
I try
Later that day Emma received a call
From someone unexpected
It is Mia she said to Damon
Her voice tight
Your best friend from college Damon asked
Emma nodded slowly
I have not heard from her in years
She answered the call
Mia
Is it really you
Emma
Oh my god it is really your voice
I cannot believe it
They talked for nearly an hour
Laughing
Crying
Sharing memories
Then Mia said something that made Emma pause
I just moved back to the city
I would love to see you
Catch up properly
Emma hesitated
Then glanced at Damon
I would love that
Come over for dinner
After the call Damon stood at the doorway
She was important to you
Yes
She was like a sister
Until she disappeared one day
No goodbye
No warning
Do you trust her now
I want to
Later that evening Mia arrived
She looked different
More refined
More polished
But her eyes still held that same spark Emma remembered
They hugged for a long moment
I missed you Emma said softly
Mia smiled
Me too
Damon stepped forward
His expression unreadable
You must be Mia
She extended a hand
And you must be the cold billionaire who stole my best friend
He smiled just barely
Something sharp behind his eyes
Dinner was warm
Full of stories and laughter
But Emma noticed it
The way Mia kept watching Damon
Like she was measuring him
After dessert Mia leaned forward
Emma
Can I borrow your husband for a minute
Emma blinked
Why
Just curious
Wanted to ask him something about business
Emma looked at Damon
He gave a slight nod
Mia and Damon stepped into the hallway
Emma listened closely
She could barely hear
Then
Mia's voice low
I know who you are Damon
And I know what you used to do
Silence
I did not come here for Emma
I came to see what kind of man you really are
Emma's breath caught
Damon's voice calm and quiet
And what did you see
A man who hides behind love
But bleeds darkness
Then do not come back Mia
Because I will not bleed for anyone again
They returned to the dining room
Mia smiled as if nothing happened
Emma offered to walk her out
As they stood by the door Mia leaned in
Be careful Emma
Not every fairy tale stays sweet forever
Emma closed the door slowly
Her hands cold
What did she say Damon
He stared out the window
Nothing that matters
But Emma knew
Something had shifted
Mia was not just an old friend
She was a shadow from Damon's past
Maybe even her own
That night Emma could not sleep
She lay beside Damon
Listening to his breathing
Steady
Controlled
But she knew
The storm was not over
The next day Emma went through old photos
Trying to remember
Trying to find a clue
One picture caught her eye
A group shot from college
Mia standing close to a man in the background
His face partly turned
She zoomed in
Froze
The man looked like Marcus
Her hands trembled
She took the photo to Damon
He studied it
Said nothing for a while
That is him Damon finally said
Before he changed his name
Before he betrayed me
Then why is he standing next to Mia
Because she was not just your friend
She was his too
Emma stepped back
Was she part of it
I do not know yet
But I will find out
Emma sat down
Head spinning
I trusted her
I told her everything
And she might have been feeding him all along Damon said
Emma looked up
Her voice steady
Then we find out the truth
Together
Damon nodded
No more secrets
That night they planned
Every move
Every contact Mia had
Every place she stayed
Every file connected to Marcus
They were no longer just lovers
They were allies
Fighters
And as the moon rose high above their city
They knew the war was not over
But they had each other
And that was enough
For now