Charles POV
The piano room smelled of sandalwood and secrets.
Charles stood by the window, staring out at the Stanford estate’s gardens while rain tapped gently on the glass, a rhythm that reminded him of the lullabies his mother used to hum before reality silenced her voice..Now, there was only the music of memories and the weight of promises he hadn’t yet kept.
Behind him, the soft footsteps of Kara broke the quiet.
“I thought I would locate you here,” she said softly, entering without permission. She donned a lengthy cream sweater, her curls tied back, her eyes keen yet gentle.
Charles didn't turn right away. "Certain rooms resemble individuals." They are not your choice. “They select you.”
Kara halted a short distance from him, observing the wide span of his shoulders, the rigi
