Chapter 21 - A Mysterious Black Envelope Arrives At Midnight Gate
Late on a quiet Friday midnight, the automated security chime on the driveway gate of their coastal home echoed softly.
Julian walked down the cobblestone path under the pale glow of the porch lights to inspect the perimeter.
There was no delivery truck or visitor in sight along the dark, winding coastal road bordering the peaceful property.
Resting on the stone pillar was a plain black envelope sealed with an unfamiliar crimson wax stamp.
There was no return address or postal mark, only a chilling symbol carved directly into the hardened red wax.
Julian picked it up with a gloved hand, unlocked the pedestrian gate, and sliced open the seal with his pocket knife.
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Inside lay a single photograph of Caleb playing outside his elementary school playground earlier that afternoon, alongside a handwritten note:
“Constance and Julian were just amateur players in a much larger game, Clara... the true family debt was never settled by your bloodline. We are coming for your little boy next.”
