The storm hit at midnight.
Not the kind with rain the kind that starts in the heart and tears everything apart before the world even notices.
Seraphina hadn't meant to end up on the rooftop of the Westwing Tower. She just kept walking — out of the gala, past the guards, up the spiral stairs until the air felt cold enough to numb the ache in her chest.
Vivienne's words echoed like venom:"She was a mistake. You were the fix."
Lila.The half-sister she never knew existed. The one who disappeared. Or was disappeared.
"You shouldn't be up here."Levi's voice was low, rough like gravel, but it didn't scare her. Of course he found her.
She didn't turn. "You following me now?"
"Just watching you crash and burn. Thought I'd bring marshmallows."
She almost laughed. Almost.
He stepped beside her, both of them staring at the glittering city lights like they mattered. Like the world didn't tilt sideways just hours ago.
"You knew," she said quietly. "Didn't you?"
"I knew there was something off. I didn't know your mom had a hidden daughter buried under that perfect smile of hers." His eyes darkened. "But I know cover-ups when I see 'em."
Seraphina's throat burned. "What do I do now?"
Levi shrugged. "Rip the crown off their heads. Set it on fire."
"That easy?"
"No," he said. "But you've got fire in you, Princess. You just don't know how to aim it yet."
She finally turned to face him and his expression shifted. No smirk. No teasing.
Just raw, open heat.
"You're dangerous," she whispered.
His voice dropped. "So are you."
The space between them vanished like it never existed. His fingers brushed hers testing, tentative.
"Tell me to stop," Levi said.
She didn't.
And just as his lips hovered close enough to erase everything else —BANG.
A gunshot. Below.
Levi shoved her down instantly, covering her. "Stay down!"
Screams echoed from the courtyard. Lights burst on. Footsteps pounded. Chaos.
And in the distance a shadow running. Fast. Gone.
Her heart slammed against her ribs. "Was that for me?"
Levi looked at her like he already knew the answer.
"Yeah," he said. "And next time, they won't miss."