"Riona, let's go back inside for now," Eros suggested, his voice low and cautious. "It won't be good if you're seen out here. It's not safe."
I wanted to hesitate, to resist the idea of returning to the oppressive atmosphere within the manor. But I knew that hesitation would only make things worse. It would only fuel the rumours and speculation that were already swirling like a maelstrom.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. "Let's go," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
As we stepped inside, the atmosphere was palpably tense. The air was thick with unspoken words, with secrets and lies that seemed to hang like a challenge.
"Riona, where were you?" my "father" asked, his voice filled with concern. "Dear, I was worried sick about you. Why don't we head back to your room and get you settled?"
