A Sudden Illness

Seraphina was heading out to meet Rachel, her mind racing with excitement and nerves. She had her bags packed, ready to make her escape, and was just about to slip out the door when she bumped into Damien in the hallway.

She had been so focused on her plan that she hadn't even noticed him standing there, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.

"Hey, where are you off to?" Damien asked, his voice low and menacing, his eyes narrowing as he took in the bags in her hands.

Seraphina hesitated, trying to come up with a convincing lie. She knew she had to think fast or risk arousing Damien's suspicion. "I was just... uh... going to do some shopping," she stammered, trying to sound casual. "I needed some fresh air and a break from the house."

Damien's gaze lingered on the bags, his eyes scanning them with a calculating intensity. "Shopping, huh? With a suitcase and a duffel bag?" he repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism.

Seraphina's heart sank. She knew she had to think fas