Naime returned to the cottage, her arms full of paper bags, gifts from Matteo. She had protested, insisting she could not possibly accept so many presents, but Matteo had only smiled and pressed them into her hands, claiming they were a reward for her correct answers. As she set the bags down and began unpacking them, her face lit up. One bag was brimming with chocolates, another held keychains and tiny stuffed animals, and the third contained an assortment of rare, limited-edition books.
She picked a chocolate, settled onto the bed, and hoped it would calm her racing thoughts. Sleep, however, refused to come. The hour passed, the shadows in the room lengthening, and still she remained restless. With a sigh, she rose and stepped outside, craving a change of scenery.
The night sky was cri
