The castle was quiet as I made my way through the corridors, the echoes of my footsteps the only sound breaking the silence. My body ached from the day’s training, but the exhaustion was a welcome reminder of how far I’d come. Marcus’s words still echoed in my mind, a steady rhythm that kept me moving forward. You’re stronger than you think. For the first time, I was starting to believe it.
I paused outside the door to Alejandro’s study, my hand hovering over the handle. The faint glow of candlelight spilled from beneath the door, and I could hear the soft murmur of voices. One voice was Alejandro’s, deep and steady. The other was lighter, smoother—Clarice’s.
My stomach tightened, and I hesitated, unsure whether to interrupt. But the thought of leaving them alone together made my chest a
