Chapter 208

The ward emptied in ripples: Mirella back to her herbs, Alessio to his ledgers and orders, Aethel to the shadows she wears like armor. Isalune’s breath steadied into the thin, spiteful rhythm of someone who has lost the game and will try to invent a new board. The door shut. The latch settled.

Dante didn’t let go of my hand until we were in our rooms.

He closed the door with his heel and stood the