While a festive atmosphere prevailed in the Blank estate, the mood inside Lancelot's estate was heavy and suffocating.
The large study room was dimly lit. Thick curtains blocked most of the evening light, and the air carried the faint scent of tobacco and old wood. Amber stood near the long table, her fingers curled tightly into her palms.
"Father, are you serious about this?" Amber asked, her voice trembling despite her effort to remain calm.
Rake, who stood beside her, also nodded slowly.
"Isn't this too hasty?" he asked. Unlike Amber, his voice was steady, but his eyes carried deep concern.
Amber glanced at him for a brief second before turning back to their father. The sudden revelation had shaken her far more than she expected.
"No more than that… is this even real?" Amber asked again, and this time anger bubbled up inside her chest.
