The storm had settled into a soft, deceptive calm, snow blanketing the lodge in blinding white. Everything looked peaceful.
Rose didn't feel peaceful.
She hadn't slept.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it again...The firelight. Leonard's hand brushing her hair back. The way he looked at her.
And the way she almost leaned in.
Her fingers tightened around the necklace resting against her chest.
Liam's necklace.
Her forever.
A knock sounded at her door.
"Rose?" Amelia's voice.
Rose stiffened.
"Come in."
Amelia stepped inside slowly, closing the door behind her. There was hesitation in her posture, something cautious but not hostile.
"I won't take long," Amelia said.
Rose nodded, bracing herself.
"I think we should clear something up."
There it was.
"Last night," Amelia continued gently. "You and Leonard."
Rose's stomach twisted.
"It wasn't what it looked like," Rose said quickly. "Nothing happened."
Amelia studied her carefully, her expression unreadable.
