The room was silent except for the soft rustling of curtains.
Rosalena stirred in her sleep, her mind drifting into a realm of memories.
A flash of light.
The pond.
That unnatural black energy swirling in the water.
And then… a glow.
A strange, shining light beneath the surface.
Rosalena's heart pounded in her chest.
Her eyes snapped open, breath uneven.
She pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady her racing heart.
"What… was that?"
Her fingers curled into the sheets.
That black energy—it wasn't supposed to exist. Not in this world.
And that shine…
Was it still in the backyard pond?
A sudden urge struck her.
I need to check.
Rosalena threw off her blankets and got up, but before she could take a step—
"LADY ROSALENA!"
Her maid practically shrieked and rushed to her side.
"You haven't recovered yet! Please, if something happens to you, the Duke will have our heads!"
Rosalena sighed.
"I'm fine."
She ignored the maid's worried look and reached for her robe.
But before she could take another step, another maid hurried in, slightly out of breath.
"M-My lady, a guest has arrived for you."
Rosalena frowned.
A guest?
Her mind raced. Who would come to see her unannounced?
She quickly changed into something more presentable and descended the grand staircase.
The air buzzed with whispers.
"Oh my, have you seen him?"
"He's so handsome, I nearly fainted."
"His voice is just… so dreamy."
Rosalena's ears twitched.
Who on earth are they talking about?
A funny expression crossed her face.
If even the maids were swooning, this must be someone important.
She reached the last step—and froze.
Sitting comfortably in the hall was Alex.
The future Grand Duke.
And sitting beside him?
Her father and brother, both wearing dead-serious expressions.
Rosalena blinked.
Alex turned at that moment, his deep violet eyes meeting hers.
And then—he smiled.
A slow, confident, breathtaking smile.
Rosalena's breath hitched.
Oh no.
Her cheeks heated, and she quickly looked away.
Her father and brother?
They weren't amused.
Duke Reinhardt crossed his arms.
Christopher, her overprotective brother, narrowed his eyes like he was analyzing a deadly opponent.
Alex, completely unfazed, stood up and approached her.
"I heard you finally woke up."
His voice was smooth, laced with something dangerous yet teasing.
"How are you feeling?"
Rosalena swallowed, suddenly feeling hot despite the cool air.
"…Fine."
She refused to meet his gaze for too long.
Her father and brother?
Still staring.
Hard.
Alex glanced at them briefly before returning his attention to her, an amused glint in his eyes.
"Good," he said, stepping slightly closer.
Rosalena's heartbeat quickened.
What is with this man?
Her father cleared his throat loudly.
Christopher cracked his knuckles.
Alex chuckled.
"Shall we take a walk, Lady Rosalena?"
She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded.
"…Fine."
As they walked toward the backyard pond, Rosalena couldn't shake the feeling that Alex's visit was more than just concern for her health.
Something felt different.
And she was about to find out why.