Air shifted the moment they arrived back in the castle. The stone beneath their feet was cold, but real. Steady. The world no longer smelled of ash—only faint lavender.
Anneliese stood still in the corridor, her hands trembling at her sides.
Vincenzo watched her carefully, still holding her hand with quiet assurance. She had not cried—not once since the vision... but her silence echoed louder than any sob.
The hallway was empty. Quiet. They were still alone, on the forbidden floor where no one else dared to stay. But the weight of what they'd seen had not stayed behind in Bridgehallow. It had followed.
Taking her to the tea room, he finally let go of her hand.
"I will call for tea," he said quietly.
She did not answer.
Moving past her, he pulled the silver-looking chain.
