578 That evening, the house was quiet again. Too quiet. Darwin sat on the edge of the bed in his room, staring at the worn photograph in his hands. The corners were frayed, and the colors had faded over time, but the image was clear in his mind even without looking. It was of him and his mother, t

580 The next morning, the sun filtered through the windows of Julius’s living room, casting a warm glow on the polished floors. Julius sat on the edge of his plush armchair, carefully wrapping the last ribbon around a sleek box. A small, proud smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he looked at

582 Should be down shortly. Julius scoffed under his breath, his fingers tightening around the edge of the armrest. He glanced at the clock again. The minute hand ticked forward. One minute. Two minutes. Three. He shifted in his seat, his jaw tightening as impatience bubbled up inside him. How lon

584 The grand Wettin Estate stood stoic and silent after Julius’s departure, its towering spires silhouetted against the encroaching evening sky. Inside, the quiet air was heavy with a tension that lingered in Julius’s wake. Lady Margaret turned to James, her brow furrowed as she smoothed her gown.

586 Darwin looked at her for a long moment, his expression unwavering. “I need to leave for a while.” “Leave?” Lady Margaret echoed incredulously, her voice rising in pitch. “Now? After everything that’s happened?” She gestured wildly to the estate grounds as though the very stones under their fee