The Louisiana sun beat down with a humid intensity as Liam and Seraphina drove out of New Orleans, leaving the vibrant chaos of the French Quarter behind. Seraphina, with her enigmatic smile and eyes that seemed to hold ancient secrets, navigated the labyrinthine network of back roads in her vintage Cadillac. The air hung heavy with the scent of honeysuckle and cypress as they ventured deeper into the swamplands.