Chapter 51: Goodbye, Gently
The morning light was soft, almost reluctant, spilling across the Thamaris estate in pale streaks. A cool breeze drifted through the trees, carrying the faint scent of roses from the garden Viania loved. It should have been a peaceful day.
Tiania had risen early, the restlessness in her chest pulling her from sleep before Henrick stirred. There was no real reason, at least, none she could name, but something in her heart had whispered that she needed to see her grandmother.
She made the short drive to the Thamaris household in silence. Her shoes clicked softly on the stone path, the air still damp from the night. Inside, the house was warm and dim, the kind of stillness that felt almost sacred.
Viania’s room door was ajar, just enough for Tiania to catch a glimpse of her sleeping figure. She smiled faintly at first, the sight of her grandmother at rest was nothing unusual. But as she stepped closer, the smile faded.
Something was wrong.
