Chapter 11

A NIGHT OF TENSION

The living room was bathed in a soft, amber glow from the antique lamps, casting long shadows that seemed to dance across the faces of the four individuals gathered there. Kylie perched on the edge of the plush sofa, her fingers absently tracing the intricate patterns on a throw pillow. Next to her, Ava lounged with the easy confidence of a cat, her eyes sharp and assessing as they flicked between the room's occupants.

Rosy, all gangly limbs and boundless energy, hovered near an oversized armchair where Dante sat. The young man's posture was ramrod straight, his eyes constantly scanning the room with the practiced efficiency of a seasoned bodyguard.

"Whoa," Rosy breathed, her eyes wide as she took in Dante's imposing presence. She inched closer, drawn like a moth to a flame.

Kylie watched her sister's approach with growing unease. "Rosy," she warned, but her voice was drowned out by the sound of Rosy's girlish giggle.

In a move that seemed to defy the laws of physic