"Even family starts to look like a threat when secrets wear familiar faces."
—Darien Crest
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Darien's Point of View
"You've been so hard to see since you came back home."
I looked up from the stack of reports on my desk to see Aunty Devina gliding into my office with that same graceful poise she'd always had — elegance sharpened by secrets. Her smile was gentle, eyes bright with affection, and I felt the familiar warmth of nostalgia stir in my chest.
"Aunty," I said softly, standing to pull her into a brief hug. Her perfume — subtle jasmine with something darker beneath — reminded me of my childhood summers when she'd visit and bring me books from her travels.