1Allesio’s POV
I leaned against the balcony railing of my room, staring out at the sprawling estate below, its manicured lawns and glimmering lights feeling more like a gilded cage than a place of power. The phone in my hand buzzed again, Alaric’s name lighting up the screen.
I let it ring, debating whether I even wanted to answer.
Eventually, I swiped my thumb across the screen and held the phone to my ear.
“Finally,” Alaric snapped, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten how to pick up a damn phone.”
“Been busy,” I replied evenly, staring out at the darkened horizon.
“Busy cozying up to Rosa, I assume?” he said, his tone laced with something between sarcasm and irritation. “Because that’s the job, Allesio. Or have you forgotten that, too?”
