Zyra (CATALYA)

The scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the small bakery as Eliana pushed open the door to Sapphire's Delights. The bell jingled overhead, and behind the counter, Sapphire Green was carefully frosting a batch of cupcakes, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Eliana Vance," she called without looking up. "If you're here to interrogate me instead of eating, I'm kicking you out."

Eliana smirked. "Relax, I'm here for coffee."

She slid onto a stool at the counter, exhaling slowly. It had been a long, frustrating week, full of unanswered questions and dead ends. Sapphire set a croissant in front of her without asking.

"Eat," she ordered. "You look like you haven't had a proper meal in days."

Before Eliana could argue, the bell above the door jingled again. She glanced over her shoulder just as two figures entered, a woman she recognized immediately and a tiny girl clutching her hand.

Lisa.

Eliana had seen her before, always hovering near the Lockwood estate, but they had never spoken. Lisa had the air of someone who noticed everything but spoke only when necessary. The little girl beside her, however, was a stranger. She was small, with soft brown curls bouncing around her round face, her bright green eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the bakery. She looked about five, dressed in a pastel pink coat with tiny buttons shaped like flowers.

Lisa's sharp gaze landed on Eliana almost instantly.

"You're Detective Vance," she said.

Eliana raised a brow. "I am."

Lisa gave a small nod. "I've seen you around the estate."

Eliana's eyes flickered to the little girl, who was now peering up at her with innocent fascination.

Lisa noticed. "You wouldn't have met this one yet. Zyra Catalya Lockwood." She placed a gentle hand on the girl's back. "Catalya, this is Detective Eliana."

Catalya blinked, her green eyes wide and full of wonder. Then, in the softest little voice, she asked, "Are you a real detective?"

Eliana bit back a smile. "I am."

Catalya's face lit up, her tiny hands gripping Lisa's coat in excitement. "Like the ones in books?"

Lisa chuckled. "Like the ones in books."

Catalya giggled, swaying on her feet before tilting her head. "Do you have a magnifying glass?"

Sapphire, who had been quietly watching, finally let out a laugh. "Oh, I like this kid."

Eliana smirked. "No magnifying glass, but I do have a badge." She pulled it out and showed Catalya, who gasped as if she were seeing a treasure.

"Can I hold it?" she whispered.

Eliana hesitated but, seeing no harm, handed it over. Catalya took it delicately, holding it like it was the most precious thing in the world.

"I like you," she declared.

Sapphire laughed again. "Well, that settles it. You're in."

Catalya turned to Lisa. "Can I be a detective when I grow up?"

Lisa smiled, tucking a curl behind Catalya's ear. "You can be anything you want, sweetheart."

Catalya nodded, looking thoughtful before turning back to Eliana. "Are you looking for bad guys?"

Eliana was caught off guard by the question. She exchanged a glance with Lisa, who simply exhaled softly.

"I am," Eliana said carefully.

Catalya's expression turned serious in that way only children could manage, her tiny brows furrowing. "Did you catch them yet?"

"Not yet," Eliana admitted. "But I'm working on it."

Catalya nodded solemnly, her little fingers running over the smooth badge. "My daddy says bad people don't always look bad."

Eliana blinked, surprised by the insight.

Lisa pressed a comforting hand to Catalya's shoulder. "Sweetheart, why don't we pick a treat while I pay?"

Catalya immediately perked up. "Cupcakes?"

Sapphire grinned. "I have the best ones."

Catalya clapped her hands excitedly as she skipped over to the display case. Lisa turned back to Eliana. "She was with her aunt in New Orleans until recently," she explained. "Zayden wanted her away from… everything."

Eliana nodded, understanding. She watched Catalya press her little hands against the glass, her eyes sparkling at the rows of sweets before her.

"I want the pink one," Catalya decided, pointing at a cupcake covered in soft pink frosting.

Sapphire winked. "Good choice. That one's special."

Catalya turned back to Eliana as Sapphire packed the cupcake. "Do you eat cupcakes?" she asked, her voice full of genuine curiosity.

Eliana smirked. "Sometimes."

Catalya gasped, eyes wide with exaggerated shock. "Only sometimes?"

Eliana chuckled. "I'll make an exception today."

Catalya grinned and reached into her coat pocket. To Eliana's amusement, she pulled out a tiny pink toy ring—probably from a doll set—and handed it to her.

"For good luck," she whispered.

Eliana hesitated for only a moment before taking it. "Thanks, kid."

Lisa paid for the cupcake, and as she gathered their things, Catalya turned back one last time. "Detective?"

Eliana raised a brow.

Catalya fidgeted with the hem of her coat. "Be careful, okay?"

Eliana felt something shift in her chest. She wasn't sure why, but those words, spoken in that small, innocent voice, settled deep.

"I will," she promised.

With that, Catalya took Lisa's hand and skipped toward the door. Just before they stepped out, she turned back and waved.

Eliana watched them go, fingers idly twirling the little pink ring.

Sapphire leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "That kid is adorable."

Eliana smiled. "Yeah. She is."

Sapphire studied her for a moment. "You're thinking something."

Eliana exhaled. "She's young, but… she pays attention."

Sapphire nodded. "Smart kid."

Eliana rolled the ring between her fingers. "Yeah. And I have a feeling she understands more than we think."

Sapphire frowned. "That's a lot for a five-year-old."

Eliana didn't answer. Instead, she tucked the tiny pink ring into her pocket, knowing she wouldn't get rid of it anytime soon.

Outside, the wind carried the sound of Catalya's giggles as she walked away.

And for the first time in a long time, Eliana smiled genuinely.