Chapter 1: The Truth Beneath the Sleeves
Cassian's gray eyes never left her.
"Are you criticizing my habits?" Saraphina asked.
"No," he answered quietly. "I'm wondering what happened to make someone lock every door before they can sleep."
Her fingers tightened around the book.
"People become careful after enough disappointments."
"Disappointments don't make people wake up screaming."
Silence.
For the first time since arriving at the estate, Saraphina looked directly into his eyes.
"You've been listening."
"The walls listen. I simply pay attention."
She stood to leave.
As she reached the doorway, Cassian spoke again.
"No one will touch you here."
She almost laughed.
"They all say that."
Then she disappeared into the hallway.
The following days became strangely peaceful.
Cassian rarely questioned her again.
Instead, he watched.
He noticed she avoided sudden movements.
She flinched whenever a man's voice became loud.
She never allowed anyone to stand behind her.
Every scar had a story.
He simply didn't know hers.
Late one afternoon, Petra entered the library carrying tea.
"You remind me of someone," Petra said softly.
"My daughter."
Saraphina looked surprised.
"She passed away years ago."
"I'm sorry."
Petra smiled sadly.
"So am I."
After that day, Petra stopped leaving short-sleeved dresses in Saraphina's room.
Instead, she quietly bought soft cardigans in every color.
She understood without asking.
Meanwhile, Cassian's security team uncovered disturbing information.
The man searching for Saraphina—
Gideon Rourke—
had already bribed police officers, judges, and private investigators.
He wasn't searching because he loved her.
He was searching because she knew something that could destroy him.
Cassian closed the report.
May you like
"For the first time," he muttered,
"I think she's more dangerous than she realizes."
