The night had deepened, shadows pooling thickly against the high arches of the chamber. The fire had burned low, its glow painting restless shapes across the shelves and stone walls.
Anneliese sat across from Vincenzo, the wide study table stretching between them. The silence was heavy, as if the chamber itself were holding its breath. Her thoughts churned, still reeling from everything she had learned tonight—the Book, the anchor, her place in all of it, and the mystifying way the House Leader had managed to contact the Dark Witches.
For a long while, only the rush of wind against the tall windows broke the stillness. Then, confusion furrowed her brows, tightening her voice as she gave her thoughts shape.
"How did he… I mean, the House Leader get in touch with the Dark Witches in the first place? As far as I know, not even the High Conclave can reach them!"
