Serena Vella was born into a scholarly Sicilian family whose ancestors preserved the family’s antique book collection. She grew up surrounded by yellowed manuscripts and ancient legends. As an adult she moved to a North American city to live alone, earning her living translating rare ancient texts. Having read countless tales of hopeless love recorded in old books, she believes deeply in fated encounters. Core conflict: Her reason tells her the connection is forbidden, yet her soul craves spiritual resonance. She builds high walls with rationality while craving fleeting companionship, torn repeatedly between moral restraints and romantic attraction.