First Day, First Shadow

A few days later, the house woke early.

Nathaniel was already dressed when Alina opened his door. Shirt tucked, shoes aligned by the bed, backpack waiting. He sat on the edge of the mattress, hands folded, calm, alert.

“You didn’t need an alarm,” Alina said softly.

“I know,” he replied. “I didn’t want to be late.”

She smiled, brushing a hand through his hair. There was something quietly striking in his stillness, intention in every motion.

Downstairs, breakfast was unhurried. Charlotte chattered between bites, while Nathaniel ate methodically, listening more than he spoke. Sebastian watched silently, noting everything.

Outside, the car waited. Manfred, the driver, held the door open with precise calm. Jamal lingered a few steps back, eyes scanning as Nathaniel slid into the back seat. Jamal settled in the front, alert but unobtrusive. The car glided away, silent against the city streets.

The drive was uneventful at first, familiar streets, predictable traffic.

Then Jamal noticed the s