The storm outside raged on, its thunder rolling across the vast Blackwood estate as if it were trying to tear the mansion apart. I stood in the dimly lit study, my fingers trembling slightly as I turned the small, ornate key over in my palm. The weight of it wasn't much, but the significance of what it might unlock felt immense.
I had spent the last hour pacing, debating with myself whether or not to open the safe I'd found hidden in Damien's study. Was this crossing a line? Could I justify invading his privacy like this? But every time I thought about walking away, memories of my mother's letter and the whispers of betrayal came rushing back. If there was even a chance that the secrets locked away in that safe held the answers I needed, I couldn't ignore it.
