CHAPTER 32: GIGI

Gigi waits in Helena Thorp’s parlor, observing the mansion and a family portrait, when Mattias Slater emerges from the shadows. He alerts Gigi that Savannah is also in the house, notes Eve was denied entry, and arms Gigi with his knife, warning her not to hesitate if she uses it.

Savannah arrives determined to leave, but Gigi insists they wait. Helena Thorp joins them, coolly assessing both sisters and demanding Calla’s fleur-de-lis necklace from Savannah. Gigi probes about Orion’s rumored secret child and mentions a Woman in Red, Zella, and the terms Watcher and Lily; Helena reveals little but fixes on the necklace.

Pressed, Helena admits she named Calla and acknowledges that calla lilies serve as warnings—until, at a certain point in a recurring cycle, a lily becomes a claim marking “potential.” She states that Candidates are chosen and that potential must be tested, hinting at trials ahead, then asks again for what is hers.

Savannah surrenders the necklace, and Helena shows a rare flicker of emotion. When Gigi challenges the Thorp fleur-de-lis as a symbol that “has no place in this town,” Helena is shaken, returns their phones, unlocks the garden door, lights the path, and orders them to leave through the garden under threat of consequences.