But I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.
When the final note faded into silence, I stood immediately and slipped away before anyone could approach me.
I needed air. I needed space. I needed to breathe.
And I needed Miso.
But before I could take more than a few steps into the garden, a voice stopped me.
"Seraphina."
I turned slowly, blinking back tears as I faced him. The only person in this house who had ever shown me even a fraction of kindness. He stood beneath the garden pergola, both hands resting on the silver head of his cane, watching me with eyes that had judged men for half a century and never once been fooled.
"Happy Birthday, Grandpa," I said softly.
He frowned deeply, his eyes scanning my face, taking in every bruise, every mark. "On my happiest day, you look the saddest. What happened?"
Before I could answer—
They appeared.
All six of them.
And Enzo.
My heart sank instantly.
Don Montecarlo's gaze shifted to them, sharp and questioning. "Did you attack Seraphina?"
Enzo sighed, already looking annoyed. "Seraphina, not tonight. I told you, we'd talk later."
The Old Don raised his hand, silencing him without even looking his way. "Kids?"