She didn't understand?
She traced the circle with her finger. This wasn't just about the estate, not about her healing or even her family's past. It was much larger than that.
The sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts.
She spun around, heart leaping in her chest, but it wasn't Lucien. It was Rowan, standing in the doorway, his face unreadable.
"You shouldn't be here," he said quietly, his voice soft but carrying an edge she hadn't heard before.
"I needed answers," she replied, her gaze still on the map.
Rowan took a step inside. "Some answers are better left hidden. Trust me."
Liora's eyes narrowed. "What are you hiding?"
Rowan's lips twisted into a thin, tight smile. "Everything."
And in that moment, Liora realized just how deep the layers of deception ran within the walls of the estate.
