The abrupt pounding on the door of William and Isabella's hotel room shattered the tense atmosphere. William hesitated before opening the door, finding Penelope standing outside, her presence unexpected.
"Why are you here, Penelope?" William asked, irritation creeping into his tone.
"I heard you were going after Isabella into the Black Forest, so I followed you. I was so worried. How are you? Is Isabella okay?" Penelope feigned concern and embraced William tightly.
"I'm fine, and so is Isabella," William replied, attempting to gently extricate himself from Penelope's grasp, but she held on firmly.
"It was me who was attacked by rogue wolves and barely escaped," Isabella said from behind, leaning against the wall with folded arms.
Startled, William turned around to face Isabella's fier
