The city outside was silent, heavy with a kind of darkness that pressed against the windows. Serena sat cross-legged on her bed, the strap of her dress slipping carelessly down her shoulder. She didn’t bother with lights. Shadows suited her. The phone was warm in her hand, the screen glowing like a secret only she was allowed to hold.

When Julian’s voice finally came through, it slid into her ear like smoke.

“You called.”

Not surprised. Not angry. Just certain.

Serena leaned back ...