In a different place, far away from Eva's confrontation with her family — another meeting was about to unfold.
One that was just as important.
Perhaps even more so.
Inside the forge room, the air was thick with heat. The temperature was uncomfortable for most people, yet strangely fitting for the moment. The warmth of the furnace seemed to mirror the restless energy inside Christian himself.
This was the moment he would finally receive his answer.
Or perhaps give one.
At the table sat Christian and Anastasia, facing each other.
As usual, Anastasia wore a different set of modern clothes. Lavish. Flashy. Every piece loudly announcing the brand behind it. Her sense of fashion was impeccable, almost absurdly so, and she seemed to blend into the modern world more naturally than Christian himself.
Which was ironic.
Because Christian sat across from her looking no better than a beggar in his worn, shabby clothes.
