(Caius)
The meal came to an end without either of us noticing how much time had passed. The empty plates remained on the table while we stayed where we were. After everything the last few days had demanded, neither of us seemed eager to move. It felt like the first real moment that truly belonged to us.
I looked at Isla.
The strain that had followed her since the journal first opened had finally begun to ease. She still looked tired, but the fear that had once filled her eyes was gone. Seeing that alone settled something inside me.
A quiet knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," I said.
A different servant stepped inside and bowed respectfully before gathering the empty dishes from the table. He worked quickly without disturbing us. After collecting the last plate, he inclined his head
