Nora's POV
I raise my hand high, signaling across the crowded restaurant to catch Brent and Reina's attention.
They've just stepped through the entrance and are scanning the maze of occupied tables, searching for my familiar face. Reina spots me first, returning my wave with enthusiasm before grabbing her brother's sleeve and pulling him through the dining room toward my table.
"Nora!" she exclaims, sliding into the chair beside me with practiced ease. "How have you been holding up?"
"Better than expected," I answer honestly. The past few minutes of solitude gave me time to fantasize about the countless ways I could make Phoenix suffer for his crimes. Each twisted scenario I've imagined brings a dark satisfaction, especially picturing his face contorted with terror as he begs for his pathetic life. "What about you two?"
"Can't complain much." Reina shrugs out of her leather jacket, draping it carefully over her chair back. "Work keeps us running nonstop."
