Julia opened the car door and stepped out.
The moment her shoes touched the ground, the air felt different.
Heavier. Oppressive.
The street smelled thick of smoke, along with the sharp scent of burnt rubber and something metallic. Something that made the back of her throat tighten, and her stomach churn instinctively.
Blood.
It was faint, but she could smell it, making her more tense than she already was.
Stella was also about to follow, as she was already pushing the door open from inside, with panic rising violently in her chest—
But Julia immediately raised her hand without turning around.
"Young Miss, you stay here. I'll check what happened."
Her tone wasn't gentle anymore. It wasn't the warm, comforting voice from moments ago when she had been patting Stella's head.
It was composed. Controlled. Professional.
"But—"
Stella's fingers trembled over the edge of the door. She hated being left alone, especially right now, when something was clearly wrong.
