The moment the door closed behind Zareth, leaving Stefano in the suffocating silence of his chamber, a soft yet deliberate rustling of fabric sent a jolt through him.
He turned sharply, his keen senses sharpening further as the scent of roses and something intoxicatingly familiar invaded the air. Before he could react, Miranda stepped from the shadows, her silhouette illuminated by the dim light of the lanterns.
Stefano's breath hitched as his jaw tightening and his piercing gaze locked onto hers. "What are you doing here?" he hissed, taking a step toward her, while his hands clenched into fists. "You shouldn't be here. Someone might see–
"Relax, my love." Miranda's voice was a silken whisper, and a teasing smile playing on her lips as she moved closer. "No one saw me. And besides, don
