Chapter 16: Where Shadows Watch
The Light Room closed early that day.
Nova had a bad feeling. Not fear—instinct. The kind of heaviness that comes from knowing someone, somewhere, had said your name out loud like a curse.
She bolted the gallery doors and checked the windows twice. Bea didn't ask questions. She trusted Nova's silence the same way Nova trusted her fire.
Inside the house, they lit no candles that night.
Only moonlight poured across the floor as they curled up on the couch, the silence between them soft, full of breath.
Then Bea whispered, "Do you feel it too?"
Nova turned to her. "Yeah."
There was something in the air. A presence. Like something was watching—but too cowardly to show its face.
---
The Next Morning
A single envelope sat on the gallery doorstep.
No stamp. No return address.
Nova picked it up with gloved fingers.
Inside: a photo.
It was blurry. Black and white. Grainy. But unmistakable.
Bea. In the market. Smiling. Alone.
The timestamp read: yesterday, 3:42 p.m.
Nova's stomach dropped.
She walked inside, locked every door, and didn't say a word as she placed the photo in a drawer beneath the old matchbook tin.
That night, she told Bea everything.
---
That Night
They didn't sleep.
They made plans.
They packed bags they hoped they wouldn't have to use.
And they prepared.
"You know he won't stop," Bea whispered, tracing circles on Nova's wrist.
"I know," Nova said. "But neither will I."
Bea leaned closer. "You're not the only one who's changed. I'm not scared anymore, Nova. I want him to come. I want him to see what we've become."
Nova kissed her. "Let's give him something to be afraid of."
---
Elsewhere, Cassian Watched
The woman who had once trembled at his voice now had the eyes of a wolf. He saw her in the gallery photos online. Saw the curve of Bea's hand on her back. Saw the way they stood like soldiers in love.
"You think fire makes you powerful?" he whispered to the screen.
"You forgot who lit the match."
He clicked PRINT on a new photo.
Bea.
Sleeping.
A window behind her. Curtains drawn.
---
The Final Scene
Nova stood in the hallway.
Every light on. Every door locked. Knife in her boot. Phone in her pocket.
But it was the fire in her chest that made her dangerous.
Not fear.
Love.
Because the ones who have nothing left to protect are reckless.
But the ones who do—they're lethal.
---
Bea appeared in the doorway, her eyes half-lidded with sleep.
"You're still awake?"
Nova turned, arms open.
"Always, for you."