Night had settled over the castle, quiet and deep. The corridors were mostly empty now, the last servants finishing their duties before retreating to their quarters. Outside the tall windows, the sky had turned dark and endless. The moon hung low above the distant forest, pale and watchful, casting long silver lines of light across the cold stone floors.
The entire castle had sunk into that calm stillness that came only late at night.
Inside Dante's private chamber, however, peace had completely vanished.
Alina stood in the middle of the room staring at him in disbelief, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. A few loose strands of hair had escaped from her braid and now framed her flushed face as she shook her head vigorously. Her cheeks were warm with frustration, and her eyes shone brightly with determination.
