Chapter 17 - THE EMPTY CHAIROne year later, Evelyn returned to Blackwood Tower.
The conference room looked different.
New furniture.
New leadership.
New people.
But one thing remained.
The empty chair.
She stood before it.
Marcus entered behind her.
“You still haven't removed it.”
“No.”
“Why?”
Evelyn touched the back of the chair.
“Because someone should remember what happened here.”
Marcus nodded.
Then Lily ran into the room.
“Mom!”
Evelyn smiled.
She still wasn't officially Lily's mother.
But everyone understood what the word meant now.
Lily climbed into her arms.
For a moment, the room felt peaceful.
Then a notification appeared on Evelyn's phone.
Unknown sender.
One photograph.
The old Raven symbol.
And beneath it:
ONE OF US SURVIVED.
Evelyn's smile disappeared.
May you like
Marcus saw the message.
Neither spoke.
