The late evening air pressed heavy against Seraphina's skin as she stood at the edge of the rooftop garden, the city lights shimmering far below. The gala had long ended, but the night's shadows clung tighter than ever.
Her phone buzzed a message from Levi. Meet me. Now. We need to talk.
Heart pounding, she slipped through the quiet halls, thoughts racing. Levi's words during the gala replayed: "You're not safe here." What had he meant? Protector or threat?
She found him waiting by the wrought-iron bench, eyes dark and unreadable.
"Why now?" Seraphina demanded, folding her arms.
Levi stepped closer, voice low. "Because what I'm about to tell you changes everything. Lila's death wasn't an accident."
Her breath hitched. "You knew? And you didn't say?"
He shook his head. "I tried. But the truth is dangerous. Someone's been watching us controlling the game from the shadows."
A sudden noise made them freeze a figure slipping through the garden gate, hooded and silent.
Levi's hand found hers, firm and urgent. "Run."
They darted through the winding paths, heartbeats pounding in sync. When they reached the exit, the figure blocked their way, voice icy and familiar.
"Looking for answers, princess?"
Seraphina's blood ran cold.