Bella's POV
Julian's shock was written all over his face. I instinctively looked down at myself—everything seemed normal enough.
I shot him a puzzled glance. He responded with a subtle, mysterious smile. "Let's go."
Now that I thought about it, my dress color coordinated perfectly with his attire.
"Where exactly are we headed?" I asked as we walked together.
Julian's mouth quirked upward. "You'll see soon enough."
No one questioned us as we left the duke's mansion—not a single servant raised an eyebrow.
I assumed Julian had already cleared things with the staff.
A carriage sat waiting outside.
Standing by the entrance, I gazed at the world beyond these walls with an odd sense of disconnection. Some time had passed since my return—and this marked my first venture outside.
This was what real air tasted like. Even my limbs felt less heavy, more alive.
