The soft hum of the television fills the small living room of Heaven's Apartment as Aurora slumps on the couch, absently watching the screen.
The reporter's voice cuts through the silence.
"Breaking News:" the announcer's voice cut through the quiet air.
News:Authorities have recovered the remains of a young girl earlier today from an abandoned warehouse near the outskirts of Norwich. Preliminary investigations suggest the girl had been dead for approximately three days before the body was found. Due to the extent of the burns, identification has been difficult; however, an ID card discovered near the entrance indicates the victim was a student of Norwich High.Forensics continue to investigate…
Aurora's chest tightened. She clutched the thin blanket around her tighter, a chill racing down her spine.
"Poor soul," she whispered, sorrow flickering across her features. "It's just miles away from here…"
Before the weight of it can settle fully, her phone buzzes. A message lights up the screen.
Her phone buzzes. A message from Dio lights up her screen.
Dio's Message : Just a reminder… even Christ sacrificed himself for humanity's sins. I just don't want his sacrifice to go in vain.
She stares at the words, unmoving. A sick feeling crawls up her spine. She locks the phone without replying.
Ding-dong.
Aurora freezes at the sudden ring. The doorbell rings again.
She stands slowly, crossing the room with deliberate steps, thinking it's just the annoying landlord.
"Wait," she calls out, her voice tight.
She opens the door—and goes still.
"Non mi darai il benvenuto, bella signora?"
(Translation:Won't you welcome me, beautiful lady?)
His Italian rolls off his tongue with too much familiarity. Aurora feels the hairs on her arms rise.
Dio Barone stands there in the hallway, perfectly calm, holding her purse in one hand like it's some kind of peace offering. His eyes catch the hallway light, glinting that same eerie green.
"You're here?" she says, trying to mask the tension in her voice.
"I believe this belongs to you," he says, lifting the purse.
"I… must've forgotten it."
"Pretty ladies are always in a hurry," he says, a thin smile curling his lips. "But not too much of a hurry to forget their purse."
There's something accusatory in his voice now. She hears it. Feels it. Dio steps forward, just slightly.
Aurora swallows. "I still haven't decided. Your offer—it could change my life. But—"
"But what?" he cuts in sharply. "Just say yes or no."
Her voice trembles. "I need time…"
"That's exactly what you said two days ago," he snaps. For a second, his charming façade cracks. He clenches his fist and slams it against the doorframe, making her flinch.
Her breath catches. A single tear escapes her eye, trailing down her cheek.
Dio steps forward again, and with surprising softness, brushes it away with his thumb. The touch is gentle, but there's no warmth in it.
"I didn't mean to scare you," he murmurs, though his tone still carries a chill mixed with a warmthless calmness. "Fine. One more day. Tomorrow. Same place. Same time."
He turns and walks away, his coat sweeping behind him, fading into the corridor's shadows.
Aurora watches until he disappears from view. Then slowly, without realizing it, she raises her fingers to the spot he touched—the place where he wiped her tear. Her hand lingers there.
"What the hell was I thinking…" she whispers to herself.
Behind her, the TV continues to murmur.
A teenage girl. A school ID. Scorched organs. No body.
The fire had eaten everything.
Except the mystery.