The morning light came and went.
Snow fell softly outside the manor, draping the courtyards in silver silence, yet within the stone walls, unease had settled deep into Nicole's bones.
Jasper had left early—too early. He kissed her cheek, murmuring a faint promise to return before nightfall. But his eyes were dark again, their color nearly void, and though his voice was calm, there was a tension beneath it, like a string drawn too tight.
Nicole watched him from the window until he vanished beyond the gates.
For a long time after, she simply stood there, her reflection pale against the frosted glass.
The words her mother spoke in the vision still haunted her: "You must see what he keeps from you…"And now she knew what that meant.
By midday, the manor was quiet. The servants busied themselves with their usual duties; Rowland was tending to the nursery, and the guards patrolled outside.
It was the perfect time.
