Ste stared out into the endless night, then dialed another number.


    The call was picked up almost immediately. On the other end, Katrina Greene''s voice rang out, bright with surprise and happiness.


    "Star! Are you finally done with work? That''s fantastic! Tomorrow, I''ll take you sightseeing around Germany!


    By the way, where are you right now? I''lle pick you up. You hardly ever get to visit—no way I''m letting you miss out on the nightlife!"


    Katrina had been living in Germany ever since her family called her back after a brief stint in Solmaris. Although Ste, Lauretta Chapman, Wendy Burke, and Katrina didn''t see each other often, they kept in touch through messages, sharing a private group chat.


    When Katrina heard Ste would be in Germany on business, she''d been over the moon, insisting that Ste meet her after work. Ste hadn''t seen Katrina in ages and had readily agreed.


    But after what had just happened, a night out was no longer possible.


    Ste kept her exnation brief. "Katrina, I''m sorry. I''ve run afoul of the Gibson family. I don''t think I''ll be able to see you this time."


    There was a sharp intake of breath. "Star, what happened? How did you get on their bad side?"


    Ste hesitated only a moment. "Stuart barged into my room. I... defended myself. Maybe a little too forcefully."<fnf5ab> ??? ????? ???????s ??? ?????s??? ?? find·novel</fnf5ab>


    Katrina knew exactly what kind of person Stuart was. Remembering the citywide lockdown from earlier, she quickly put the pieces together.


    She didn''t probe further, only said quietly, "Star, the Gibsons pretty much run this city. With the lockdown, getting out won''t be easy.


    Listen... why don''t youe hide out at my ce? The Greene family has some influence here too-they wouldn''t daree searching."


    Ste shook her head, even though Katrina couldn''t see it. "Katrina, I appreciate it, truly. But if I go to you, I''ll just put you in danger too."


    Katrina went silent for a moment, her voice dropping. "Is it really that bad?"


    Ste''s tone was steady. "I''m not familiar with Germany. Do you know anywhere I couldy low, somewhere harder for them to search?"


    She''d already decided to keep her head down until things cooled off. Arranging backup would take time.


    Katrina understood the gravity of the


    situation. "There are a few ces where peoplee and go all the


    time It''s tough to track anyone


    down there... but-"  fo s


    She hesitated. “But the living conditions aren''t great."


    "That''s fine," Ste replied at once. "I just need somewhere to stay for a few days.


    Once this blows over, I''ll leave."


    "Alright. I''ll text you the address," Katrina said.


    "Thank you, Katrina."


    "No need," Katrina replied softly, a


    note of guilt in her voice. "If you need anything promise me you''ll call


    me you''ll call


    Don''t try to handle this all on your


    own."  - s


    "I promise." Ste ended the call.


    Afterward, she pulled up the map app, searching for the address Katrina had sent.


    "Joshua, we''ll have toy low for a few days. Once things settle down, we''ll head back to Solmaris..."


    As she spoke, Ste''s gaze drifted over to Joshua. He was frowning, his long, elegant fingers massaging his temples. A thin sheen of sweat his forehead as if


    had gathered


    had something he


    he were fighting


    didn''t want her to see.


    belongs to s


    It struck her then-on any other day, Joshua would have already started


    brainstorming solutions for her. But tonight, he was unusually silent.