The house felt different tonight.
Too quiet.
Velora stood near the balcony, fingers gripping the cold railing. The wind brushed against her face, but it didn't calm the storm inside her.
Something was wrong.
She didn't know what.
But she felt it.
Downstairs, she heard her father's voice.
Low.
Serious.
Not normal.
She slowly walked toward the stairs, careful not to make a sound.
"…I told you not to involve her," he whispered sharply.
Silence.
Then again.
"No. She must not find out. Not yet."
Velora froze.
Find out what?
Her heart started beating faster.
Before she could hear more, a door clicked shut.
Footsteps.
She quickly stepped back into the shadows.
Her father walked past her without noticing, phone still in his hand, jaw tight, eyes troubled.
He looked… guilty.
And for the first time in her life—
Velora felt scared of him.
Later that night, her mother came into her room with warm milk.
Soft smile.
Gentle eyes.
"You look pale, beta," she said sweetly. "Are you thinking too much again?"
Velora forced a smile.
"I heard dad talking to someone."
Her mother paused only for half a second.
Then she laughed lightly.
"Your father is always stressed about business. Don't misunderstand him."
She sat beside Velora and stroked her hair.
"He loves you more than anything."
The touch felt warm.
But something about it felt… rehearsed.
Across the city, Ghost stood in a dim room, staring at a file spread on the table.
Property documents.
Transfer papers.
And one name circled in red.
Velora.
His jaw clenched.
"Who informed the police?" he muttered.
His eyes darkened.
"It came from inside the house."
That night—
Velora woke up with a sharp breath.
A sound echoed in her ears.
Gunshot.
Her vision blurred.
Rain.
Cold drops on her skin.
A hand pushing her.
"Don't turn around—"
Bang.
She sat up suddenly.
Sweat covered her forehead.
Her heart pounded violently.
What was that?
Why did it feel real?
She touched her chest unconsciously.
As if expecting blood.
But there was nothing.
Just silence.
Downstairs—
Her father stood alone in the dark living room.
Phone in hand again.
"This is the last time," he said in a low voice. "If she gets hurt, I won't forgive you."
Pause.
His expression twisted in pain.
"You promised me she would be safe."
From the staircase—
Velora watched everything.
And this time…
She didn't step back.
Her eyes slowly filled with doubt.
Maybe the danger wasn't outside.
Maybe it was inside.