Chapter 74: Bitter Claims
(Charlotte's POV)
The faint beeping of medical equipment punctuated the otherwise serene quiet of the healing den. My father was resting peacefully, his usually pale face now showing hints of color. Sarah sat beside him, humming a soft tune while blending herbs with practiced ease. It was a picture of fragile recovery, one I dared not disrupt.
But then I felt it, even before the distinct scent hit my senses. Gabriel.
The sharp tang of gabrielwort cigarettes mixed with the sweet bitterness of blood wine wafted faintly from beyond the hallway. His presence was undeniable. My back stiffened involuntarily, Cora stirring uneasily in response.
"Charlotte?" Sarah’s voice broke through my thoughts as she glanced up from her work.
I forced a calm smile. "It’s f
