The evening air inside the Haydra estate dining room was warm, filled with the rich aroma of well-prepared dishes and soft murmurs of conversation. The family dinner had started smoothly enough; small talk, polite smiles, and the occasional laughter floating around the room. But Aneira should have known better.
Nothing ever remained peaceful for long.
She barely had time to register Celia's movement before a small, elegant bag was placed in her hands. The gesture was swift, purposeful, and paired with Celia's signature smile…a smile that always carried a hidden weight.
"And yes, I got you this," Celia said, clicking her tongue with satisfaction, as though she had just presented a rare treasure.
Aneira blinked at the bag on her laps. The glossy surface felt cool beneath her fingers. It was small, but the way Celia looked at her made it feel heavy.
