The second message came—
Differently.
---
A name.
---
One of Evelyn's.
---
Gone.
---
Not removed.
Not replaced.
---
Gone.
---
Silence filled the room.
---
Daniel couldn't speak.
---
Damian didn't move.
---
Cassian's eyes darkened.
---
Evelyn stood still.
---
For one second—
Her control slipped.
---
Just once.
---
Then—
It returned.
---
Stronger.
---
Colder.
---
"He made it personal," Damian said.
---
Evelyn shook her head.
---
"No."
---
A pause.
---
"He made it real."
---
And that—
Was worse.