The water bottle was still on the counter.

  Empty, but heavier than it should be.

  As if it still held a secret it hadn't let go.

  After minutes of silence and tension, Nicco stood up with sudden determination.

  —We're leaving —he said firmly.

  Kali looked up from the couch, wrapped in her blanket, brow furrowed.

  —What do you mean, "we're leaving"?

  —To my place. Both of you —he said, gesturing to Kali and Dahlia—. That's it. This is getting out of control. First the dreams, then the necklaces, then the water. I don't feel safe here.

  Dahlia narrowed her eyes.

  —Your place?

  —Yeah. The mansion. Outside of Aarush. No one will look for us there, and Enrique has everything automated. Security, cameras, staff. We'll be able to think clearly there.

  —Are you sure we'll be safer...? —Kali hesitated.

  —I'm sure we're not safe here —Nicco said, final.

  Kali stared at him for a long moment... then nodded.

  —Fine. Let's go.

  Dahlia hesitated, but gave a small nod as well.

  ...

  In the car. 10:38 p.m.

  The engine purred quietly as Nicco drove down the secondary road connecting the heart of Aarush with the outskirts. The car lights lit up the trees like ghosts standing tall. Kali sat in the front, a little calmer now. Dahlia, in the back, stared silently out the window.

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  The air was cold. Too cold for a September night.

  And then, as the car crossed the estate's front gate, she saw it.

  —Nicco, stop! —Dahlia yelled.

  He hit the brakes, turning to her.

  —What?

  —There... outside the gates, between the trees... —Dahlia leaned toward the rear window, wide-eyed—. The wolf. It was there. Watching us.

  Kali turned quickly, tension rippling through her body.

  —Again?

  —It wasn't a dog. I swear. It just stood there, completely still, like it knew we were coming. Its eyes... they glowed.

  Nicco restarted the engine, his jaw tight.

  —Okay. We're going in. Now.

  The gate closed behind them with a soft metallic groan.

  ...

  Rossi Mansion. 10:49 p.m.

  The car parked in front of the entrance. The house loomed, majestic and wrapped in soft shadows and golden lights that seemed to keep the outside world at bay. White columns, tall windows, and a silence almost sacred.

  Kali got out first, fearless. She walked confidently to the front door.

  Dahlia looked up at the facade. Its size, its solemnity stunned her. It wasn't just a house. It felt like a place where time stopped. This was her first time seeing anything like it.

  Nicco unlocked the door. And as if fate had been waiting, he was there.

  —Good evening, Mr. Rossi —a deep voice said.

  A tall, lean man with long white hair tied back, a well-groomed beard, and sharp grey eyes. Dressed impeccably in a black suit and leather gloves. His posture, rigid—almost inhuman.

  —Enrique —Nicco greeted—. This is Dahlia. And you already know Kali. They'll be staying for a few days.

  Enrique gave the slightest bow.

  —A pleasure, ladies. The east wing rooms are ready. Security system is active, staff informed. Would you like something warm? Tea, cocoa...

  Kali chuckled under her breath, visibly relieved. Dahlia held the butler's gaze with quiet respect.

  —Thank you, Enrique —she said calmly.

  —I'll be available all night if you need anything. And if you notice... presences, don't be alarmed. The house is old, but quite used to hosting special guests.

  And with that, the butler vanished down a hallway, as if floating.

  ...

  Kali dropped onto the large living room sofa with a loud exhale.

  —I'd forgotten how massive this place is.

  Dahlia sat down, still taking it in, visibly adjusting.

  —You should come more often, principessa —Nicco replied, sitting beside Kali.

  But despite the safety, the luxury, the feeling of refuge...

  Something still itched beneath Dahlia's skin.

  Out there, beyond the closed gates, something was still watching.

  And it had no intention of leaving.