Chapter 2: Rainy Balcony Escape

Rain pattered against the windows of the estate. Diana stepped lightly onto the balcony, coat drawn around her, cigarette glowing faintly in the dim light. She inhaled deeply, the scent of rain mingling with the curling smoke.

Beckett joined her, leaning against the railing, eyes scanning the wet city below. The quiet hum of rainfall wrapped around them.

“They’re going to be okay,” Diana said softly, glancing at the distant streets. “The introverted students… they’ll find their place. They always do.”

Beckett’s hand brushed hers, a silent reminder that she was not alone.

“Sometimes,” he murmured, “all they need is someone patient enough to notice.”

She exhaled, watching the smoke drift upward. “Exactly. And we’ll always notice.”

From the estate’s doorway, the twins whispered among themselves, observing the rare private moment. “Look at them,” Hades said, eyes wide. “Even the rain can’t touch their calm.”