A week had passed in relative peace after Christina's arrival.
Nothing significant had occurred in the Barony, and Christina found herself enjoying her time more than expected. With the academy on break, she had the rare chance to relax, and the tranquility of her home almost made her consider staying longer.
Surprisingly, she hadn't seen her father once since arriving. Even more shocking—there were no complaints, no disapproving glares, no stern summons to his study.
It felt strange.
Too quiet.
And that silence? It felt a little too deliberate.
"Still," Christina muttered as she wandered down the familiar marbled hallway, "I could get used to this."
Her boots clicked against the stone floor as she walked lazily, hand trailing along the wall. She passed the portrait of her great-grandfather and the ornamental vase imported from Vasqaria before turning the corner.
It was when she reached the guest wing that she paused.
Something was off.
