Within the Stark manor…
Ethan and Isabella had just walked into one of the guest rooms on the top floor. The space was modest but well-furnished, with cream-colored walls and a large bed.
Isabella walked in further ahead of him, and as she approached the bed, she placed one palm on the mattress, and almost immediately, a circular shade of pure darkness materialized over the surface.
It looked like a pool of liquid shadow had opened up right there on the bed itself.
From within that darkness, Bettie's unconscious form emerged slowly, rising up through the black surface.
Her hair was scattered and messy across her face, and she remained deeply asleep.
The moment her body fully cleared the shadow pool, the darkness beneath her faded away, leaving just Bettie lying there on the bed.
Ethan walked over to her side with genuine concern on his face. He stared down at her for a moment, taking in the pale complexion and the faint exhaustion still visible even in sleep.
