The guards at the gate didn't ask questions.
They knew who he was.
Lucian Virelli didn't sneak into places—especially not this one. He strode through Raina's estate like a man reclaiming his past. Every corridor whispered memory. The paintings on the walls, the faint scent of wild jasmine, the hush in the halls—it all remembered him too.
The staff watched him pass in silence.
Some bowed slightly. Others turned away, unsure if he was guest or ghost.
He didn't stop until he reached her study.
He opened the door without knocking.
Raina was there—alone, at her desk, sipping red wine like blood in a glass. Dressed in black silk, barefoot, a silver blade resting beside her files.
Her eyes flicked up.
> "Lucian."
Just his name. No surprise. No welcome.
He stepped in, the door clicking shut behind him. "Still leave your windows unlocked?"
> "I don't have to. The real threats use the front door."
He didn't smile. Walked to the music box on the table. Selena's.
He opened it. The tune played softly.
Raina stood slowly.
> "Why are you here?"
Lucian turned the note over in his hand. Selena's handwriting stared back at him.
> "You kept this."
> "She left it in my safe."
He stared at Raina. "She knew."
> "Yes."
> "And you didn't tell me."
> "No."
Silence burned between them.
Lucian's voice dropped. "Why?"
Raina stepped closer, eyes unreadable. "Because you trusted Chloe. Because you believed her when she said I pushed Selena away. Because when she cried crocodile tears, you held her. Not me. Not her sister in all but blood."
He didn't defend himself. Couldn't.
Raina leaned in, voice a whisper. "So don't ask why I didn't tell you. Ask yourself why she died believing her best friend hated her."
Lucian swallowed hard.
> "You think I don't hate myself?"
> "Good," Raina said coldly. "Hold onto that."
She turned away. "Now get out before I ask my guards to make you regret walking in like you still belong."
Lucian didn't move.
Until she glanced back—just once—and said:
> "If you want redemption, Lucian… start by helping me bury the one who put her in the ground."
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