The house staff were already lined up when the car came to a stop.
They greeted them the moment the doors opened, movements practiced and respectful.
The butler stepped forward, bowing slightly, and guided them inside while the other staff efficiently handled the luggage.
The residence was a private Soveir property—rarely used, yet meticulously maintained. Every surface was spotless, every corner orderly, as if it had been waiting for its owners to return at any moment.
The journey had been long.
Without much conversation, everyone retreated to their rooms to rest, the quiet of the house settling in almost immediately.
---
Melisa woke to the sound of birds chirping in the garden.
Instead of grogginess, she felt unusually refreshed.
Maybe it was her birthday.
Or maybe it was the closeness of nature, untouched and calm.
She sat up and froze.
