SERAPHINA’S POV
I was out of Maya’s car before it even rolled to a stop.
“Let me know how it goes!” she called out after me.
I think I gave her an answer—I’m not sure. I was too distracted trying to get my encrypted phone out of my bag without tripping on the porch steps.
Leona’s voice from earlier still rang in my head. I’d thought she’d called to join the tedious chorus of ‘Stay away from Kieran,’ but the topic of conversation had been much more devastating.
I could still hear the faint tremor underneath her usual poise.
“I was going to call Kieran first, but Daniel has always had a softer spot for you, and you might have a better chance to get through to him…”
Apparently, Daniel had been “off” lately. Not sullen, exactly, but…different. Guarded. Like he’d put up a wall between himself and the rest of the household.
She said he still smiled, still did his lessons, and made polite conversation—but the light in my baby’s eyes had dimmed.
