Sebastian lowered the phone slowly, his expression unreadable as he set it aside. His gaze shifted to the small velvet box resting on his desk. He opened it. Inside wasn't a ring. But something far more deliberate.
A delicate, hand-carved ivory rattle. Small. Intricate. Symbolic. His fingers brushed over it lightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips. He didn't just want Amara back. No. He wanted her legacy.
The future she was so carefully building. He wanted it to carry his name instead.
—
The next morning came too quickly.
Amara stepped out onto the front steps beside Amira, the early air cool against her skin. She looked calmer than she felt, though the faint tension in her shoulders hadn't quite faded.
Convincing Julian hadn't been easy.
"I don't like this," he had said, his gaze sharp, his instincts already pushing back.
"It's just a sister moment," Amira had insisted, forcing a small, reassuring smile. "We need it."
