Days unfolded into weeks, and Layla found herself approaching Rayna's grand manor yet again. Whispers had flown through the air like autumn leaves, carried by one of her discreet spies who had closely monitored the movements of Rayna and Benjamin. They had left the manor to go on a trip.
She hurriedly departed in her carriage, glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting to catch a glimpse of shadowy figures lurking in the dark corners of the night.
As the carriage wheels crunched on the gravel pathway leading to the manor, an unsettling stillness enveloped the surroundings. The night bore a cloak of darkness, and an eerie silence hung in the air, broken only by the gentle rustle of leaves.
When they finally came to a halt in front of the imposing manor, Layla's heart raced with anticipation. She stepped down from the carriage, her elegant gown trailing behind her like a shimmering wave, and hurried towards the heavy oak door.
