Chapter 20: The Past Continues

Chapter 20: The Past Continues

6 months ago (continued)

Isabella, her heart pounding in her chest, focused her attention on the man who had so inexplicably captured it, watching as he moved with a grace that seemed to belie his fearsome reputation, and she couldn't help but be drawn in by the contradictions that swirled around him like a tempest; was this man truly capable of the violence and ruthlessness whispered about in hushed tones amongst the guests?

She positioned herself close enough to overhear snippets of conversation, careful not to draw attention to her interest, while her fingers nervously played with the delicate fabric of her gown.

"Did you hear?" a woman's voice murmured behind Isabella, "They say he took out an entire rival family single-handedly."

"Are you kidding me? I heard it was just a rumor," another voice responded, skepticism lacing her tone. "He can't possibly be that brutal, can he?"

Isabella listened intently, trying to discern fact from fiction, a growing