The following morning arrived in silence.
The mansion seemed much calmer than it had over the last few days, but that tranquility was artificial. The servants moved slowly through the corridors, careful not to raise their voices. The knights remained at their posts as usual, but now they examined every visitor twice before allowing them inside. After Seraphine's arrival, no one treated security as a mere formality anymore.
Damon woke before sunrise.
He had slept little.
Not because he was in pain. His body had finally stopped protesting with every movement, although he was still far from fully recovered. The problem was something else. Ever since waking from the coma, his sleep had never been completely deep. There was always the impression that part of his consciousness remained awake, listening to something far away. It was not exactly the Heart. Nor was it Xue Lian's memories. It was only the constant feeling that something was waiting for him to make a mistake.
