The stone halls of the palace were unusually quiet, as if the building itself had recoiled in horror at the truth laid bare hours earlier in the dungeon. Shadows danced across the tapestries lining the corridor walls, and the weight of betrayal lingered like a storm cloud inside Heiko's chest.
He said nothing as he and River made their way back to their private chambers.
The fire in the hearth burned low, casting golden embers across the floor. Heiko stood frozen just inside the room, his hands clenched at his sides. The moment River gently closed the door behind them, the silence broke.
He stepped toward the wide balcony and pushed open the glass doors with force.
Cool night air rushed in, brushing against his skin like a slap.
Heiko strode to the edge of the terrace and gripped the
