Chapter 358

"Were you scared by a shadow?" Serena gently comforted the kitten, her soft voice barely above a whisper. Her slender fingers smoothed the fur that had puffed up in fright, massaging lightly with her fingertips. In just a few moments, Snuggle had melted into a little marshmallow in her arms, mewing softly and giving her fingers a few tiny, harmless nibbles—more like teething than a real bite. The night breeze had grown cooler. Serena stepped into the dim corridor, cradling the kitten in her arms as she made her way back to her room. In the corner, a shadowy figure lingered silently, only turning to leave once she was safely inside, surrounded by light. Back in her room, a new message popped up on her phone. Ruth had sent her an address. "It's a bar opened by a friend from the orchestra. It's still pretty quiet since it's new. Drinks are half off. See if you like it." It was clearly a spot handpicked for a cozy little birthday gathering. The music must be great or Ruth wouldn't