Gemotions

Rain lashed against the gallery window as Elara stared at the photograph. A stranger’s arm, inked with a perfect replica of her "Wandering Soul" piece. A wave of nausea rolled through her. She clutched her sketchbook, its familiar weight a meager comfort. The phone buzzed in her pocket. Liam, her agent. She needed him. Immediately.

Her breath hitched as she finally dialed. “Liam, it’s me. I... I need you to come down. There’s something… there’s a problem.” Her voice cracked, a tremor she hated. She ran a hand through her hair, tangling the strands. Her stomach twisted, a cold knot forming.

Liam arrived quickly, his presence a bolstering influence. He took one look at the photo and his jaw tightened. His reaction felt like a lifeline. He’d know what to do. He always did. He put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Elara. We’ll figure it out.” The words washed over her, a soothing balm.