Since the darkness grew in, the chamber had cooled. The trees quietly ruckled outside the window, their leaves whispering secrets to the breeze. A faraway sound might be an automobile beginning or ending its trip filtered through the mansion's high walls. Izora lay on her side in the silence, starin
Apart from the subtle groan of the old flooring under Kaiser's weight as he headed to the master suite, the corridor beyond the bedroom was quiet. Although the storm had passed, its attitude had not. The mansion seemed to be bracing for something, a heavy silence hanging about. Hand on the knob, he
“Does Kaiser know?” she asked. “I don’t think so. Yet.” She looked up at him. “Why are you telling me this?” He stopped in front of her door. “Because you’re not just his wife anymore.” Izora frowned. “What am I, then?” Enoch’s eyes burned with something fierce and quiet. “You’re the only one w
…his part flawlessly charming, disinterested, then engaged just enough. Izora followed his lead, mimicking his rhythm. Smile. Listen. Laugh softly. Her heart raced behind every gesture, but her mask never cracked. “Do you remember Caden Vale?” Lydia asked idly, stirring her espresso. Kaiser didn’t
The warm, golden illumination of the great chandelier in the dining hall of the Eirian house highlighted the polished mahogany table set for two. There was a sophisticated elegance established by the subtle clinking of cutlery and the far-off hum of classical music. Izora sat straight yet with a tig
She narrowed her eyes. “And yet… he married your niece.” Benedict tried to hold her stare, but it felt like looking into a fire. “I don’t know how it happened,” he lied quietly. “Truly. They met. Something sparked. Maybe he saw something in her. She’s… different.” Celestine tilted her head. “Diff