Seraphina watched the dealer disappear into the crowd, his words still echoing in her mind.
"You're next.""Even Elias doesn't know what will happen to you."
Her pulse spiked, but not from fear. From realization. It had already been five minutes. Which meant Ezrin would be looking for her. And if he found out where she had really gone, he wouldn't just be angry. He would burn this entire place down.
Seraphina's eyes flickered toward the entrance of the venue. No sign of him yet. She turned quickly, slipping through the crowd, her pace measured but swift. Instead of heading back to Ezrin, she made a sharp turn toward the bathrooms.
She pushed the door open, stepping inside just as her heart pounded in her ears. Without hesitation, she entered one of the cubicles, locking the door behind her. Exhaling slowly, she pressed her back against the door, forcing herself to think.
"Ezrin would be here any second." She thought. Then murmured "I hate how he makes me follow his orders."
"And I need to make sure he believe my lie because right now." She ran her hand through her hair. "He is the last person who could know the truth."
Seraphina stayed perfectly still, her back pressed against the cool surface of the cubicle door. She could already picture Ezrin storming in, his patience long gone.
Her heartbeat was steady, but her mind raced. The dealer's words weren't just a warning. They were a promise.
And she had no doubt—whoever was pulling the strings wasn't just watching from the shadows anymore. They were coming for her.
A sharp creak at the entrance made her tense. The bathroom door had opened. And then—footsteps. Slow. Measured. Dangerous. Her breath caught in her throat. There was no need to guess. She already knew who it was. Ezrin. The footsteps stopped just outside the cubicles.
Silence. Then—his voice. Low, sharp, and laced with dangerous amusement.
"If you're actually in here, open the door." His voice came, slow and measured.
She exhaled slowly, keeping her expression neutral—even though he couldn't see her.
"I told you I was in the bathroom, Holloway." Her voice was smooth, calm. "Or did you think I ran away?"
A pause. Then—a quiet chuckle."I think," Ezrin murmured, "that you're hiding something." Her grip tightened at her sides."And I think," she shot back, "that you're overreacting."
Silence stretched again. And then the lock clicked. Her stomach dropped. Ezrin was unlocking the door. The sharp click of the lock sent a jolt through Seraphina's spine. Panic flickered—but only for a second. Her instincts took over.
"Wait!" she screamed, pressing a hand against the door. "I'm opening it—just let me adjust my dress." A beat of silence.
Then a slow, amused exhale from the other side."You have five seconds." Ezrin's voice was low, controlled but beneath it, she could hear the edge of suspicion. Seraphina turned quickly, smoothing out the silk of her dress, making sure her expression was composed.
Then, with a deep breath, she unlocked the door herself. The moment it opened—Ezrin stepped forward. His hand snatched her wrist, yanking her forward before she could take a single step back.
A sharp gasp escaped her lips as her back hit the cold tiled wall. His grip was firm, unyielding, his fingers wrapped around her wrist as his body crowded her in. She inhaled sharply, her pulse spiking—but she masked it with a smirk.
"Missed me that much, Holloway?" Her voice was smooth, taunting. Ezrin's jaw clenched, his eyes scanning her—taking in every detail. She knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn't just looking. He was searching. For something off. For a lie.
His free hand brushed against the silk of her dress, slow, deliberate—as if expecting to find a tear, a stain, a single sign that she hadn't been where she claimed to be.
And then, finally—his eyes locked onto hers. "You're lying." His voice was low, absolute. Seraphina tilted her head, feigning amusement."And you're paranoid." Ezrin didn't blink. Didn't move back. Instead, his grip on her wrist tightened slightly, just enough to make her pulse spike.
"Maybe." His voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "But you know what's interesting about paranoia?" He leaned in, his breath ghosting over her skin."It's usually right."
Seraphina felt the heat of his breath against her skin, the weight of his presence pressing into her. His grip on her wrist didn't loosen. Didn't waver. Instead, his fingers flexed slightly, as if testing her reaction. She refused to give him one.
Instead, she lifted her chin, smirking."Then prove it." Ezrin's eyes darkened, his jaw ticking. She had challenged him. Again. And the worst part? She knew he wouldn't let it go.
His free hand traced along the fabric of her dress, dangerously slow, as if daring to find a flaw."You took too long." His voice was dangerously calm. "And I don't believe in coincidences."
Seraphina exhaled, masking the frustration bubbling beneath her skin."I had to fix my dress, Ezrin." Her tone was smooth, casual, as if the entire situation was ridiculous.
"And yet," he murmured, tilting his head, "you came back looking exactly the same." Her pulse spiked. Damn him. "Damn how observant he was." She thought.
But she wasn't about to break. She let out a soft chuckle, her smirk unwavering."Maybe I just like making you wait." Ezrin's fingers tightened around her wrist, his smirk mirroring hers.
"And maybe," he whispered, voice laced with amusement, "I like watching you struggle." Seraphina's breath hitched—so quick, so slight that most people wouldn't have noticed.
But Ezrin wasn't most people. And she knew. She had just made a mistake and Ezrin caught it. The slight hitch in her breath. The tiny, almost invisible flicker of hesitation. And just like that—the game shifted.
His smirk deepened, slow, knowing. Seraphina masked it quickly, tilting her head, her expression unreadable."Careful, Holloway," she murmured, voice smooth. "You're starting to sound obsessed." Ezrin chuckled, but there was no amusement in his eyes."Starting?"
His grip on her wrist remained firm as his free hand slid to her waist—deliberate, unhurried. Seraphina's breath stayed steady, but inside, her pulse pounded.He was testing her.
Watching. Waiting for another slip. She could feel it. The unspoken battle between them.
Who would break first?
Ezrin's thumb brushed over the silk of her dress, his grip tightening just slightly."Where did you go, Seraphina?" His voice was quiet, dangerously calm. Seraphina held his gaze. Unwavering. Unshaken."I already told you." Ezrin hummed, as if considering her answer.
And then—in a swift, effortless motion, he lifted her wrist. The one he had been holding this entire time. Seraphina tensed before she could stop herself.
Ezrin's smirk returned, victorious. His thumb brushed over her pulse point."Your heart's racing." Seraphina exhaled sharply, masking her frustration.
"Maybe I just like to see you struggling." She threw his words back at him, her smirk unfaltering. Ezrin chuckled, low and dark."And maybe," he murmured, voice dipping lower, "I already know the truth."
Seraphina's stomach twisted. He was too close. Too aware. She needed to shift the power back. Now. So, she did the only thing she could. She smiled—slow, taunting, challenging.
And then, with a dangerous gleam in her eyes, she leaned in. So close, their lips almost brushed. And whispered, "Then make me confess." Ezrin stilled. Seraphina felt it—the shift, the flicker of something dark in his gaze. She had challenged him. Again.
And this time, he wouldn't let it slide. His grip on her wrist tightened, his free hand pressing flat against the wall beside her head.
Caging her in. Daring her to move."You think I won't?" His voice was smooth, but there was something dangerous beneath it. Seraphina's smirk didn't waver. "I think you already know I'm not telling you anything." Ezrin exhaled through his nose, his fingers ghosting over her pulse again. "You're testing my patience." She chuckled softly. "And yet, you're still here."
His jaw clenched. "Because I know you're lying." Seraphina tilted her head slightly. "Then prove it." Ezrin stared at her, searching. But she gave him nothing. No guilt. No cracks.
Just the same unreadable mask she always wore. Seconds passed. Tension thickened. And then he let go. Not roughly. Not in defeat. But in calculation. Because if she wouldn't tell him now, he would find another way to make her talk.
Ezrin stepped back, his smirk returning—but colder now."Enjoy your victory, Seraphina." His voice was calm. "It won't last long." And with that, he turned and walked away. Leaving her standing there, knowing she had won this round.
But the war was far from over. Seraphina barely had time to breathe before Ezrin's hand snapped around her wrist again.
Firm. Unyielding. Her smirk barely had time to settle before he yanked her forward."We're going home." His voice was low, absolute. Final. She stumbled slightly, but his grip kept her steady. Her pulse spiked. Not from fear—but from the raw, unchecked control in his tone.
She lifted a brow, masking her irritation with amusement. "Tired of the party already?" Ezrin didn't slow down, leading her through the crowd with effortless dominance."No," he murmured. "Tired of your games." Seraphina exhaled sharply, feigning boredom.
"You really need to work on your patience, Holloway." Ezrin chuckled, but it wasn't amused. As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit her skin, but Ezrin's grip didn't loosen. A sleek black car was already waiting.
Seraphina narrowed her eyes."You planned this." Ezrin opened the door, his smirk returning. "I always do." And before she could argue he pulled her inside, shut the door, and locked them in. Because this time? She wasn't escaping. The drive home was silent. Ezrin didn't say a word. Neither did Seraphina.
But she could feel it—his frustration, his irritation, the silent promise that this wasn't over.
As soon as they arrived, she walked straight past him. No arguments. No taunts. She just needed space. She entered the bedroom, slipping out of the silk dress and into Ezrin's clothes.
The familiar scent of him clung to the fabric, grounding her in a way she didn't want to acknowledge. She sighed, climbing into bed, pulling the duvet over herself. But sleep didn't come easily. Not when her mind kept replaying the dealer's words.
"You're next."
"Even Elias doesn't know what will happen to you."
Her fingers curled into the fabric of the sheets, a chill running down her spine. This wasn't just a game anymore. It never was. She exhaled, forcing herself to push the thoughts aside. Tomorrow, she would figure it out and she would make the next move.
And with that final thought, she let exhaustion pull her under. Morning light filtered through the penthouse windows as Seraphina walked into the kitchen.
Ezrin was already there, sitting at the dining table, a cup of coffee in hand. His sharp gaze flicked to her the moment she entered. Seraphina didn't hesitate. She sat down, calm, composed, determined.
"I'm more than fine now," she said smoothly, reaching for the coffee pot. "I have my own life, my own things to do." She poured herself a cup, not looking at him as she continued.
"So, I'm leaving today." Silence. Thick. Unyielding. She finally lifted her gaze, only to meet Ezrin's dark, unreadable stare. His fingers tapped lightly against the table, as if considering her words. Then—he set his cup down.
"No, you're not." Seraphina's grip on her coffee cup tightened slightly."I'm leaving.""You're not leaving." His voice was calm. Certain. Seraphina exhaled sharply, masking the irritation bubbling beneath her skin.
"You don't own me, Holloway." Ezrin leaned back in his chair, his smirk slow, taunting.
"Then walk out." Her jaw clenched. "I will.""Go ahead." His gaze didn't waver. "But you won't get far." Seraphina's pulse spiked, but she refused to let it show.
Instead, she lifted her coffee to her lips, taking a slow sip—masking the storm building inside her. Because deep down, she knew— Ezrin wasn't bluffing.
Seraphina set her cup down, meeting Ezrin's stare without hesitation.
"I won't leave—" she said smoothly, tilting her head. "If you give me the most logical reason to stay." Ezrin's smirk didn't waver, but something colder flickered in his eyes.
He leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers against the table. "You're already cured. No more injuries. No more excuses." Seraphina nodded, waiting. He exhaled, his voice even. "Then let's talk about what happens when you walk out that door."
She raised a brow. "I go back to my life. I go back to work." Ezrin chuckled softly. "And who says your life is still yours?" Seraphina stilled.
Ezrin tilted his head slightly. "You think you can just leave? That nothing has changed?" His smirk faded. "You've been in my world for too long now, Seraphina. And the moment you step out of this penthouse, they'll know."
She narrowed her eyes. "They?" Ezrin leaned forward, his fingers tracing the rim of his coffee cup. "The people watching you. The ones who know you're getting too close."
Her stomach twisted, but she didn't react. Did he know about the dealer's warning? No—he couldn't."You're overestimating my importance, Holloway." She forced a smirk. "I'm not some big threat." Ezrin chuckled, low and dark. "Then why do you look nervous?"
She exhaled slowly, forcing herself to relax."You still haven't given me a real reason to stay." Ezrin's eyes locked onto hers.
"If you leave, I won't stop you." Silence. A test. A challenge.But she knew better.
She stood up slowly, watching him. "Good." She turned toward the door, taking the first step.
Then, "But if you step outside, Seraphina, understand this," His voice was smooth, but the weight behind it was suffocating."You're no longer under my protection.
Seraphina stared at him, letting his words settle.
"You're no longer under my protection."
A warning. A challenge. A test. She exhaled slowly, then—she smirked."Then I guess I'll take my chances." Ezrin's smirk faded. His fingers stopped tapping against the table.
Seraphina stood up, adjusting the loose sleeves of the shirt she was still wearing. His shirt. She took a step back, watching him carefully. "You don't control me, Ezrin. You never did."
Ezrin exhaled sharply, but his expression was unreadable."Then walk." Seraphina did. She turned, each step measured, deliberate. She reached for the door. Ezrin didn't move.Didn't say a word. But she felt it—the weight of his stare burning into her back.
Her fingers stopped just above on the elevator's button. And without a second of hesitation—She entered.
As Seraphina stepped out of Ezrin's penthouse, the cold air hit her skin, but she didn't stop. She didn't look back.
The moment she was in the car, she pulled out her phone.One decision. One click. Within minutes, she had booked a last-minute flight to Norway. She knew it was reckless.
She knew she was at a critical stage, that she needed to be careful, to calculate every move. But right now? She needed time. Time to breathe. To think. To plan.
She went home directly, packing her essentials with quick, efficient movements. Her mind wasn't just running—it was racing. As she zipped her bag, she grabbed her phone, calling Lena.
The moment Lena picked up, Seraphina got straight to the point."I'm going to Norway." Lena's voice was sharp, laced with concern. "What? Why now?" Seraphina exhaled, keeping her voice even."Because if I stay here, I'll lose control over my own steps."
Lena was silent for a moment before sighing. "And you think running off to Norway is the answer?" Seraphina's lips curled slightly. "It's not about running."
Lena's voice dropped. "Then what is it about?" Seraphina's fingers tightened around her phone."It's about finding something before it's too late."
Lena was quiet for a long moment. "Be careful."
Seraphina smirked. "I always am." Hanging up, she grabbed her bag, walked out of her apartment, and hailed a cab. The destination? The airport.
Because whatever answers she was looking for— They were waiting for her in Norway.
By the time night fell, something felt off. Ezrin hadn't thought much of it at first. Seraphina wasn't in Oblivion Division. Fine. She wasn't always there. But when the man sent to Horizon Initiative returned with the same report—she wasn't there either—Ezrin's patience thinned.
His fingers tapped against his desk, his eyes narrowed. She was nowhere.
Not in Oblivion. Not at Horizon.
And most importantly—not where she was supposed to be. A cold smirk touched his lips, but his eyes darkened."So… she ran." The realization wasn't surprising.
But the question was—where? Ezrin leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. Wherever Seraphina thought she was going— She wouldn't be alone for long.
As Seraphina stepped onto Norwegian soil, a strange sense of familiarity washed over her.
The cold air felt different here—sharper, cleaner. It wasn't suffocating like the walls she had been trapped between for so long.
She didn't stop. Didn't linger. After clearing customs, she hailed a cab, giving the driver the address of her hometown. Her mother. Her parents.
She hadn't told them she was coming. She didn't need to. Because this wasn't just a visit. It was a reset. A reminder that there was still a world outside the chaos she had been drowning in. The drive through the familiar streets sent memories flickering through her mind, but she didn't let them settle.
She had a purpose for coming here. And it wasn't just nostalgia.
When the cab finally pulled up in front of the house, she exhaled, gripping the handle before stepping out. The door was the same. The windows, the porch, the scent of home—nothing had changed.
For a brief moment, she almost felt like the girl she used to be. But she wasn't. And she never would be again. She walked up to the door, raised her hand, and knocked. Seconds later, the door swung open. And there, standing in the warm glow of the hallway, was her mother.
Her mother's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as recognition sank in."Seraphina?"
Seraphina smiled—genuine, soft."Surprise." As Seraphina stepped inside, the warmth of home wrapped around her—a stark contrast to the cold weight she had been carrying.
Her eyes swept over the familiar space, taking in every unchanged detail. And then she saw them.
Her father. Her brother.
Both sitting in the lounge, their expressions a mix of shock and surprise. For a brief moment, silence stretched between them. Then, her brother was the first to react."What the hell—" he stood abruptly, staring at her. "When did you get here?"
Her father's eyebrows furrowed, his sharp gaze assessing her as if trying to understand why she was suddenly standing in front of them. Seraphina smirked slightly, shrugging as she stepped further in."Just landed. Thought I'd drop by."
For the next two hours, they talked—catching up, laughing, exchanging stories. But even as she sat there, engaging in conversation, her mind was working. Calculating.
And then—her mother asked the inevitable question."Why the sudden visit, sweetheart?" Her mother's eyes were soft, curious. "You never mentioned coming."
Seraphina exhaled, offering a casual smile."It's official work, mostly." Her father's expression remained unreadable."What kind of work?"
"Investigation." She leaned back. "A case I need to look into." She kept the details vague, effortless. Her mother nodded slowly, accepting the answer, though curiosity lingered in her gaze. Not long after, Seraphina excused herself, making her way to her old room.
The moment she shut the door behind her, a slow exhale escaped her lips. Finally, alone.
She sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers pressing against her temple as thoughts flooded in. Everything that happened. Everything that was waiting for her. And then—it clicked.
Again. Like a silent alarm ringing in the back of her mind. She wasn't here just to clear her thoughts. She was here because of the case. Because of that murder.
The two brothers. The cousin. The mystery that had been solved but has a loose end.
And now? She was right where she needed to be. Because if there were answers hidden in this town.
She was going to find them.