[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322A01459-497":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},497,4,"Chapter 4: \"It’s Just a Cat, Serenity\"","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seven is the Devon Rex that Desmond and I have shared for eight years.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When she was a kitten, she was my little shadow, sticking to my heels and constantly getting into trouble. I used to tease her, saying she had the soul of a puppy, so I named her Seven.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Now that she’s older, she’s become reserved, almost dignified.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The Knight parents loved her too; they would often take her back to their place for a few days at a time. But this time, when I called, my heart sank.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Seven?\" Mom asked, her voice puzzled. \"She never came by.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Panic tightened my throat. \"But Desmond said that you—\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">My hands wouldn't stop shaking. I dialed Desmond. \"Where is Seven?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">His voice was maddeningly casual. \"Vienna wanted to keep her for a couple of days. She’s at her place.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I stormed into his office without waiting.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Desmond just chuckled, as if I were a child throwing a tantrum. \"Is it really that big of a deal? Fine, fine. I’ll take you to go get her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Vienna cracked the door to her apartment open, stifling a yawn. \"Oh, hey. I just woke up. I haven't even had a chance to go look for her yet.\" She shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. \"She went missing last night. She probably just slipped out to roam around.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">My brain went numb. Static filled my skull.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">We checked the security footage. We knocked on every door in the luxury complex. We scoured the grounds. Every second that passed felt like a piece of my chest was being hacked away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">We finally found her, huddled behind the dumpsters behind the estate, a trembling, terrified ball of fur.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Vienna rubbed her arm, looking bored out of her mind. \"I told you she wasn't going anywhere. It’s just a cat, Serenity. You had me running around all day for nothing.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I pulled Seven into my chest, shielding her from the cold air, and looked at Desmond. \"Is that what you think, too?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Desmond frowned, a crease forming between his brows. \"She’s found now. Let it go. Vienna didn't do it on purpose.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The air felt like lead in my lungs. I couldn't get a full breath.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Seven was shivering against me.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">I was shivering, too.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Standing there, watching him, Desmond felt like he was a million miles away.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272915785]