The mansion was restless that night. Guards moved silently in their shifts, radios crackled sporadically, and sirens in the distance echoed mournfully. Alessia stood on the balcony, eyeing the first signs of dawn as they painted the sky with bruised hues. She hadn’t managed to sleep. Couldn’t, really. Whenever she closed her eyes, her father’s face haunted her—cold and proud, ready to sacrifice her to keep his throne. Replaceable. The wind tugged at her hair, sending chills down her back. Behind her, footsteps approached, slow and heavy. Familiar. Nikolai came to a stop beside her, calmly tying his shirt cuffs with one hand. “You’re up early,” he said softly. “I didn’t sleep.” He examined her profile. “Nightmares?” “Memories,” she corrected. “Worse than nightmares. At least nightmares end.” Leaning against the railing, he kept his voice low. “After today, those memories will lose their grip.” She scoffed. “Does it ever really end? The fear, the secrets? The bloodshed?” “
最終更新日 : 2025-10-31 続きを読む