Levon and Cael strode away from the bridal chamber when Elder Chem and several other elders spotted him in the main hall.
"Levon, why are you here?" Elder Chem asked, frowning as Levon walked past without greeting anyone.
"He's grown arrogant now that he's about to be made legitimate," one elder muttered. "Does the marquis know he's behaving this way? Disrespecting—"
"The young lady is missing from her hall," Cael cut in, before he left. "We've received reports that she's been taken."
The elders' eyes widened.
"On the wedding night! Of all times!" Elder Chem exclaimed in fury. "Who would dare take her? I thought security was tight here!"
He didn't foresee this at all!
Meanwhile, Ezekias had just learned of Nyasia's disappearance when Basil arrived with the news that Levon was already on his way to rescue her. Ezekias slammed his fist on the desk.
He looked at Basil.
"Not a word of this incident leaves Rashet Manor! Silence anyone who tries. If Tenusa society learns my daughter's reputation has been compromised, it's over."
No one would want her after that.
Ezekias drew a sharp breath.
"Send our spies."
"Yes, my lord."
...
MEN HAD SCATTERED across the forest, their lanterns the only light cutting through the often pitch-black wilderness behind the estate. Levon reached the Crest Cottage as several men inspected the surrounding area. He stood on the balcony, gripping the rail, facing the vague, dark shapes of the trees. He took another sip from a small jar, trying to flush the last traces of wine from his system.
"Young Master, the lady was originally looking for a flower in the garden," Fay said, her hands trembling. She stood behind him. "But somehow she changed her mind. She left a message. I—I tried to stop her, but she had already made her decision. There were at least two women with her when she left."
Levon furrowed his brow.
Sinopia agents?
Fay handed him a folded note.
He took it and opened it.
'Stay in the forest for a night. Your body is being poisoned. Cleanse the bridal chamber in the next few days.'
Levon's eyes fluttered. About everything. About the poison. But most of all that she had orchestrated this. That she could want something like this. For so long, she had been that quiet little sister who smiled gently at him whenever he visited. Had she always been this reckless?
While he was burning the letter over the lantern, Fay knelt, sobbing. "Young master, you must know... everything my lady does is because she cares for you deeply."
Levon's gaze shifted as Cael stepped onto the balcony. "Young master, if we search for her outside the Rashet estate, Green Valley will know exactly what's happening. The marquis won't risk her reputation—"
"Risk?" Levon's voice hardened. "That's my sister we're talking about."
"Young master."
The voice came from the shadows.
A figure stepped into the light. It was Syril, the chief elite guard of the Rashet Estate, the most competent and mysterious presence in the manor for nearly twenty years.
"Young master, no one would take her so openly like this. The lady may have wanted to leave," Syril said.
"Why didn't your men stay with her in the garden?" Levon pressed.
"She was wearing a thin dress, young master. And the garden is her private space," Syril replied. "For now, our focus should be elsewhere."
Levon scoffed. "Then tell Father not to get in my way tonight."
"The lord has given you free rein."
Levon smiled—cold, disdainful.
His eyes hardened.
"I had to stomach this marriage alone." He turned to the darkness beyond the balcony. "Now they'll have to see me uproot Rashet Clan!"
He was done with these elders.
...
A MAID HURRIED into Rosemary Hall. She steadied herself before turning to the new madam. A broken cup lay on the floor. The room had grown dim, and several candles had burned out.
"Madam, please calm yourself. The young master is only worried about the young lady—"
"Spread the news that she's a two-faced bitch ruining her sister-in-law's wedding!"
Nona's voice was repressed but seething with anger. She had been staring at the mirror, retouching her makeup, her face flushed with fury.
"So what's wrong with her?"
"Madam, I think it's a serious matter," the maid said, her expression worried. "The thing is... she's been missing."
Nona let out a mocking laugh.
"Of course she has to cause a scene. Typical of these spoiled, angel-faced heiresses. They can't stand it when their value is threatened!"
Just then, the door burst open.
Mrs. Reniel stepped into the chamber.
"The young master says you are to take your rest. He won't return."
Nona's face went pale.
"What rule is this, Mrs. Reniel?" Her face flushed with humiliation. "Doesn't he care what the elders will think of this? First, he leaves because the young lady is in trouble. Now he refuses to sleep in the bridal chamber at all? Are you joking?"
Mrs. Reniel's expression didn't change. Her gaze swept across the room rather than meeting Nona's eyes.
"You know very well the young master cherishes his sister. And yes, he will leave here if she's in trouble." A pause. "Have a good rest."
Nona dropped another cup after Mrs. Reniel left. How could she carry out her plans now? Everything had been wasted because of that bitch! She paused, forcing herself to calm down. Maybe he had grown suspicious. If she reacted too strongly, it would only make things worse.
"Madam, what should we do?"
"Nothing," Nona replied, exhaling. "We act as if nothing happened."
But her voice sounded bitter.
*