The warmth of the oven filled the small bakery, and Verina's hands moved as she kneaded the dough, her mind distracted. Despite the comforting scent of fresh bread and the quiet hum of the bakery, something restless stirred within her, pulling her thoughts away from the present.
The days since Sam's change that night had passed in a blur of unsettling quiet. She had always felt a sort of calm in his presence, a silent strength, but now there was an underlying chill and darkness that made her second-guess every word and gesture. Was she letting the wrong person in her life?
Her visions had become more frequent and clearer, too. They no longer came in fleeting, disjointed flashes. Now, they were longer, more vivid—almost like memories she couldn't grasp. Were they memories?
While Verina was lost in thoughts Sofia, as usual, was humming from behind the counter, her hands moving quickly as she arranged the rolls. Her light, carefree energy always felt like a contrast to Verina's more reserved and serious demeanour. It was hard not to notice how different they were, but it was part of what made their friendship work—Sofia's lightness balanced out Verina's sombre side.
"You're awfully quiet today," Sofia said, peeking over the counter with a curious look. Her tone was gentle, not pressing, just an observation. "Are you feeling okay?"
Verina paused, taking a slow breath before responding. "I'm fine. Just thinking."
Sofia tilted her head, as if to say, Are you sure about that? But she didn't press further, instead choosing to keep things light. "You've been thinking a lot lately. Maybe you should take a break, get some fresh air. You look like you're carrying the weight of the world in here."
Verina shook her head, forcing a faint smile. "I don't have time for a break."
Sofia raised an eyebrow, leaning on the counter with a thoughtful look. "You know, just because you're always busy doesn't mean you should ignore the rest of your life. What about... You know, someone else? " She gave Verina a sly smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Has anyone been sending you letters lately?"
Verina's hands faltered for a moment, a familiar weight settling in her chest. She didn't need to ask who Sofia meant. She hadn't heard from Victor in weeks. The silence felt heavier with each passing day.
"I've had no letters," she replied softly, her voice colder than she intended. She focused back on the dough, trying to push the thoughts away. "He's busy."
Sofia, sensing the change in the air, softened her tone. "I'm sure he is. But you deserve a little more than just waiting around for letters, Verina. You don't always have to hold everything inside."
Verina didn't respond right away. She felt a pang of discomfort, but she also knew Sofia was right in her way.
"You've always been good at talking to people," Verina said, more quietly than she'd meant. "Maybe you could teach me how to not think so much."
Sofia chuckled. "I think that would take more than just a few lessons, but hey, I'll try if you want!" Her voice was soft and Verina couldn't help but feel a small sense of warmth at the offer.
Before she could respond, the bell above the door chimed, signalling a customer. Verina looked up, and a man stepped inside. He was tall, his dark cloak brushing the floor as he moved. The hood obscured his face, but there was a sharpness to his features that drew Verina's attention. His gaze swept across the room, and then, without hesitation, he looked at her.
Sofia, ever the friendly one, was quick to greet him. "Good afternoon! What can I get you today?" Her voice was soothing, like a gentle breeze, oblivious to the tension building around her.
The man gave a small nod, his voice smooth as he spoke. "Just a loaf of your finest bread, if you don't mind." His eyes remained on Verina, though his words were casual, as if nothing unusual was happening.
Sofia smiled and went to prepare the order. The man moved closer to the counter, still watching Verina with an unsettling intensity. She felt her pulse quicken, but she didn't know why. There was something about the way he looked at her that felt wrong like he could see through her in a way no one else could.
When Sofia returned with the bread, the man reached into his cloak and pulled out a small silver coin. The light from the bakery's windows caught the edge of the coin, reflecting intricate symbols on its surface. The coin, beautifully crafted, gave off something...unsettling.
The man placed it on the counter, his eyes never leaving Verina's. "For you," he said, his voice low, as though there were something deeper hidden in his words.
Sofia looked up, confused. "Uh, that's very generous, but we can't—"
"It's for her," the man interrupted, his gaze shifting to Sofia briefly before returning to Verina. "She will need it."
Verina's hand froze as she reached for the coin. The air felt thick, as if the entire world had paused for a breath. There was something in his eyes, something knowing that made her feel like she was being pulled into a current she couldn't control.
Sofia, still unaware of the tension, smiled politely. "Well, if it's for her, then I suppose..." She trailed off, not fully understanding but not wanting to make a scene.
Verina picked up the coin, her fingers cold against its smooth surface. She didn't know why, but she felt like this was important and something she couldn't ignore.
The man smiled faintly, a brief, bitter expression that didn't reach his eyes. "You're welcome," he said, his tone almost final. He turned to leave without another word, his steps soft but deliberate.
As the door closed behind him, Verina stared at the coin in her hand. It felt heavier than it looked, as if it carried something important to it—something that might change everything.
Sofia blinked, her smile faltering. "That was... odd," she said, though she didn't seem alarmed, just curious. "Do you know him?"
Verina shook her head, still feeling the strange pull of the coin in her palm. "No. I've never seen him before."
Sofia looked at the coin for a long moment. "It's beautiful, though. What do you think it means?"
Verina's voice was barely a whisper as she answered, her fingers curling around the coin. "I don't know. But I think I need to find out."