Two months ago.
That day, the morning was quiet in the hidden room of the library. Tatiana's eyes opened slowly, the soft light from the small window spilling across the floor. For a brief moment, she felt warm, safe, as though the world outside had disappeared. Her hand reached across the bed, expecting to find him there beside her. But her heart sank when her fingers touched only the cold sheet.
The spot where Ivan had been lying was empty.
She sat up quickly, her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes scanned the little hidden chamber, but it was silent. He was gone.
Her chest tightened. She forced herself to get up, though her body felt heavy. Her hands trembled as she dressed. She tried to hold herself together, to stop the tears from rising, but her heart ached too much. She had thought—she had believed—that night meant something.
When she stepped out into the main library, she saw him.
