[Evelina's POV—Graveyard—When the Dead Don't Stay Silent]
Silence fell in layers.
Not the respectful kind the media pretended to observe—but the kind that crept in when predators recognized each other.
Cassian Vinter walked closer, shoes crunching softly against gravel, every step measured. He didn't hurry. Men like him never did. They liked to arrive exactly when they meant to.
Theo finally turned.
Not fully.
Just enough.
Enough for Cassian to see his face. Enough for the warning to be unmistakable.
Theo's expression was calm—too calm. The kind of calm that came right before annihilation. One hand remained firm around Alina, shielding her completely. The other rested casually at his side.
Casual.
Deadly.
"Cassian," Theo said, voice flat. "You're late."
Cassian chuckled softly. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Our parents' anniversary… such a touching occasion." His gaze flicked—again—to Alina. "And look at that. You brought her."
Alina whimpered.
