The second safe house...

The elevator ride down from the breakfast restaurant was silent. The tension from the confrontation was still thick in the air.

As we stepped out into the lobby, Sebastian placed a gentle hand on my back, guiding me towards the exit. The gesture was simple yet so familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, sending a shiver down my spine.

Once we exited the building, I sucked in several deep breaths, trying to calm myself.

"Are you alright?" Sebastian asked, staring at me blankly.

"Yes," I nodded, managing a smile. I had just declared war on my uncle, the only family member I had left. There was no going back now.

"Come on," Sebastian urged and we started towards his car that his driver had brought around.

As we settled into the back seat, the driver pulling away smoothly into traffic, I turned and faced Sebastian again.