The little chrome-bell door jingled as Diana slid into the booth across from Melinda and Zoe. The diner smelled of coffee and syrup, the kind of place where conversations felt safe even when they weren't.

"So," Diana started, stirring her milkshake with her straw. "Any word from Chloe?"

"She's with Valerius," Zoe said, her tone calm but weighted. "At his place."

Melinda frowned. "And she's okay?"

"I think so," Zoe replied. "I just... I hope Valerius didn't do anything harsh. You know, about the ...