Darkness had long dipped below the skyline by the time Rhina stepped out of the cab. Her face was blank, but her fingers were clenched tightly around her phone.
She walked past an apartment building, then doubled back and slipped into the old flower shop next door. It had been closed for over a year, but the back room. Still had a purpose.
She pulled out a key from her coat and opened the dusty side door.
Inside, it was dim. A single bulb flickered to life overhead.
Rhina didn't hesitate she sat down at the desk, locked the door behind her, and pulled up a secure messaging app.
Encrypted Line Activated.
The screen glowed.
Then a voice crackled through the speaker.
Philip Shepherd.
Still commanding. Still terrifying. Even from behind bars.
"Tell me something good, Rhina."
"I met Stefania today," Rhina said, steadying her breath. "She's… not what I expected."
"Of course, she's not. She's a Shepherd. They hide the knife behind the charm."
Rhina stayed silent.
