Chapter Three:
After dinner, Liza barely waited for permission before storming out of the dining room. She felt the weight of Theo's gaze following her, but she didn't care. A pair of maids quickly moved to escort her down the grand hallways, though she barely acknowledged them, her mind racing with frustration, fear, and anger. This place was suffocating, and Theo's cryptic behavior only made her want to scream.
They led her to a spacious bedroom, far more luxurious than anything she'd ever known. The bed was massive, piled with plush blankets and pillows, and a large window overlooked the beautiful rose gardens. Liza took in her surroundings, but the opulence only made her miss her small, cozy room at home even more.
As the maids left, she closed the door, finally alone. She sat on the edge of the bed, and, before she knew it, the feelings she'd been holding back all evening spilled over. Tears began streaming down her face as she thought of her parents, her home, and the simple, comforting life she had lost in an instant. She hugged her knees, sobbing quietly, wishing desperately to wake up from this nightmare.
Eventually, exhaustion overtook her, and she lay down, her eyes heavy from crying. As she drifted off, her mind faded into heavy sleep, enjoying the dreams of her family's familiar faces and the warmth of her old life.
But in the quiet of the early morning, Liza felt something gentle on her face, a warmth against her cheek. She stirred, half-asleep, and barely opened her eyes, her vision hazy. She sensed someone leaning close took form in the dim light, and as her eyes adjusted, she recognized Theo.
She blinked, not fully awake, as his hand softly brushed a tear-stained cheek. His gaze was intense but oddly tender, a look she hadn't seen before.
"Sleep well, Phoenixia," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.
Liza's heart raced, but the weight of sleep held her in place. She wasn't sure if it was a dream or reality, but before she could process it, her eyes fluttered closed once more, and she drifted back into a deep sleep.