The warm aroma of freshly cooked meat and vegetables filled the rented house as Liana and Gloria worked hard in the kitchen. The sounds of chopping, boiling, and sizzling blended into a peaceful rhythm.
Outside, Buddy and Pikko lay lazily in the courtyard, their bellies full from their evening meal. Occasionally, Buddy let out a satisfied squawk, stretching his wings before settling down again.
Inside, however, the atmosphere was far from peaceful.
Javier sat on the sofa, leaning back with his arms crossed, facing the calm but intimidating Errinette.
Across the room, Iria and Iziya stood stiffly against the wall, their backs straight, hands clasped tightly in front of them. Their faces were pale, their expressions shifting between anxious fear and awkward nervousness.
It wasn't just Javier they feared anymore.
The new, beautiful woman sitting gracefully on the sofa?
She was terrifying.
