Chapter 2

Just as Seraphina finished her reprimand, two more figures emerged from the grand house.

Julian Thorne, smooth and confident, with his son, Damien, trailing behind him.

Damien, spoiled and cruel, smirked when he saw Silas and Willow.

"Mother," Damien said, running to Seraphina' s side, easily taking her hand.

Seraphina flinched, just for a moment, then smoothed her expression.

"Damien, dear, go inside with your father," she said, but her voice lacked conviction.

Julian put a hand on Seraphina's shoulder, a gesture of casual possession.

"Seraphina, darling, is there a problem?" Julian asked, his eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on Silas.

Silas felt Willow tense in his arms.

"This is a private matter, Julian," Seraphina said, but she didn't pull away from his touch.

"Julian is part of the Order's inner circle now, Silas," Seraphina explained, as if that made everything clear. "He's been a great support. Especially after my sister... well, he needed a place, and Damien needed stability."

Excuses. Thin and brittle.

Silas ignored Julian. He looked directly at Seraphina.

"I came for something of mine, Seraphina. My Heartwood Staff."

The name hung in the air. It was more than just a staff; it was his connection, his past, his power.

Seraphina' s eyes flickered. "The staff? Why would you need that old thing now?"

"It's mine," Silas repeated, his voice low and firm. "It belongs with me."

Julian chuckled, a dry, unpleasant sound. "Still clinging to your rustic trinkets, Silas? Seraphina has moved on to more... refined things."

"This has nothing to do with you, Thorne," Silas said, his gaze unwavering.

"Oh, but I think it does," Julian said softly. "Everything that concerns Seraphina, concerns me."

The air crackled with unspoken history, with betrayal laid bare.

Willow hid her face against Silas' s neck. She was scared.

He held her tighter. He had to get that staff. It was their only way out of this gilded cage of lies.