Blackwell Manor never truly returned to silence.Even when no one spoke, the house kept its own rhythm—old wood creaking like tired bones, wind pressing against tall windows, and distant footsteps that didn’t always belong to anyone present.That day, the manor felt heavier than usual.As if it was remembering something it refused to say out loud.---Alika stood in the corridor with Ethan still in front of her.His hand had just lowered after trying to steady her.But the warmth of his presence didn’t fully reach her anymore.Not in the same way it did a moment ago.Something had shifted.Subtle.Invisible.And irreversible in a way she couldn’t explain.Ethan was still watching her.Carefully.Not aggressively, not emotionally.But like someone trying to read a page that kept rewriting itself.“You’re still shaken,” Ethan said quietly.Alika blinked once.Then forced a small nod.“I’m fine,” she answered automatically.It didn’t sound convincing even to her.Ethan didn’t respond imm
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