The house was unusually quiet. Morning sunlight stretched across the hardwood floor, filling the living room with a warm glow that would have felt comforting on any other day. Today, Seraphina barely noticed it. Her attention remained fixed on the black envelope resting inside the locked drawer of her study.
She had barely slept. Each time she closed her eyes, she saw the impossible photograph again. A picture of herself, a date that could not exist, and seven words written across the back that refused to leave her mind.
She stood at the kitchen window with a cup of coffee growing cold in her hands. Behind her, she heard measured footsteps. Lucien entered without speaking. He had already loosened his tie, even though the workday had not begun. He looked at her for a moment before reaching for another mug.
"You have been awake for a long time," he said quietly.
"I could not sleep." She muttered.
"I expected that." He whispered.
