Daphne's POV
The weight of my phone in my palm felt different when Barnaby finally returned it to me. Heavier somehow, like it carried secrets I wasn't ready to face.
I turned the device over, studying its pristine surface. The screen gleamed as if it had been carefully cleaned while they kept it from me.
"Thank you," I managed to say.
Barnaby gave me a single nod before turning toward the door.
I didn't bother waiting for privacy. He would hover just outside anyway, listening to every word I spoke.
The screen lit up, revealing thirty-two missed messages.
My stomach plummeted.
I opened Benedict's thread first, my fingers trembling slightly.
The earliest message stared back at me - the same one from yesterday that had made my blood run cold. The one I'd ignored because I had no idea how to respond.
