the hushed luxury of the first-class cabin

iform took their carry-on bags and guide

g his own into place. He didn't ask for a toy or a movie. He pulled his tablet from his backpack, tap

face against the t

ne began its ascent. She pointed a sticky fi

's legs. She sank back into her wide, plush seat. As the plane leveled out, the deep, vi

just wanted to rest. Bu

ntly morphed into the freezing, torre

rown her out onto the street like garbage.

eryone believed Seraphina was a toxic, manipulative snake. Even her own biological parents looked at her with pure, unadu

pain ripped thr

tight ball in a dark, filthy alleyway. She screamed for help, but

ed through the rain. She d

abbed her eyes. The monitors screamed. The doctor's voice echoed in her head, dist

g, unimaginable

the si

ctor stood over her, his face grim. I

r all over again. In her sleep, Seraphina's breathing turned ragged. Her

pocket of turbulence. T

ing open. Cold sweat coated her forehead. Her hea

st and placed his warm, small hand firmly over hers. His dark ey

rced her racing heart to slow down. She squeezed Gideon's hand and

She held out a plastic cup of warm water

aid, her voice soft and sweet lik

her chest began to recede. She took the water and drank it. She swore to herself, rig

fume formula notebook. She needed to work. She needed the distraction. S

mysterious founder behind Zeling, she was going to crush every sing

lot's voice filled the cabin, announcing their de

ut the window at the sprawling, concrete grid of

d to the gate. The heavy cabin doors popped open, an

out of the jet bridge. Her tall posture and icy, commanding au

gripped his mother's coat tightly, scanning the fac

the window of a duty-free shop. She ripped her hand f

her. She grabbed her daughter's shoulder. "Do not

asn't supposed to pick them u

ash up," Se

, actively monitoring the crowds. She looked at Gideon. "I just need to wash my face and change my stained coat. It will take exactly two minutes," Seraph

usly, his small sho

restroom, feeling a temporary sense of security leav

ipstick from her bag and applied it perfectly. She stared at he

ing the cool air fill her lungs. She pushed the restroom door open and stepp