She sat in the conservatory, moonlight spilling across the glass walls. The storm had passed, but unease lingered.
Sophia poured tea, forcing a smile. "You know, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're starting to enjoy being locked up with him."
Isabella gave a quiet laugh. "Enjoy isn't the word."
"Then what is?"
She looked down at her cup. "Safe."
Sophia's smile faltered for a heartbeat. "Yeah. He's… intense. But he'd die before letting anyone touch you."
"I know."
But before Sophia could answer, a faint static hum came from her pocket. She stiffened. "Sorry for the bad signal. I'll be right back."
Isabella frowned as her friend slipped out. Her instincts pricked. Something was off.
When she reached for the tray to pour more tea, she noticed a folded paper beneath it. A note. The handwriting was unmistakable Maria's, her childhood maid.
"If you value your heart, child, seek the truth in the place of lilies.
Your mother's shadow still waits for you."
