Chapter 13: An Uneasy Agreement

Seraphina’s POV

Alfred's black limousine roared up the winding drive of his secluded villa, its headlights slicing through the thickening dusk. I sat in the back seat with Caroline, our faces pale and eyes wide with fear. The events of the evening replayed in my mind like a horror movie on repeat.

When the car finally stopped, Alfred turned off the engine and stepped out, motioning for us to follow. His villa loomed before us, a sprawling mansion bathed in the warm glow of exterior lights. It seemed like a fortress, a place of safety, yet the anxiety clinging to my chest wouldn’t let me fully appreciate it.

Inside, the spacious, elegantly decorated interior did little to soothe our nerves. Caroline clung to my arm, her trembling fingers betraying her fear. Alfred led us to a comfortable sitting room, where we collapsed onto a plush sofa.

“You’re safe here,” Alfred said, his tone softer than usual, though still holding an edge of authority. “No one can harm you now.”

Tryi