"Both of you should stay and rest here," Vaylen said gently. "It's already very late."
Lucian glanced down at me.
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. After everything that had happened, the idea of moving again felt exhausting.
"That might be best," Lucian replied.
Vaylen gave a small nod, relieved.
"I'll have a room prepared."
Celeste smiled softly at us.
"You must be tired."
I was.
Not just in my body but in a way that sank deeper than bones.
As we followed them down the quiet corridor, the manor felt different than before.
Calmer.
But not entirely peaceful because even as the night settled around us,
I couldn't shake the feeling that some doors—once opened—never truly closed.
We lay side by side on the bed, the room dim and quiet, the curtains barely stirring in the night air.
Lucian broke the silence first.
