Evelyn lay awake in the grand bedchamber, her mind racing despite the comfort of the soft mattress beneath her. The events of the evening had unraveled like a dream—one she couldn't wake from. The opulent surroundings, the kind yet enigmatic man who had taken her in, and most of all, the terrifying uncertainty of how she had ended up here. It was all too much.
She sat up, the moonlight streaming through the tall windows casting a silvery glow across the room. The walls were adorned with delicate floral wallpaper, and an ornate vanity stood in the corner, holding a collection of perfume bottles and jewelry. Everything felt untouched by time.
Her fingers brushed against the antique locket still hanging around her neck. It pulsed faintly beneath her fingertips, a subtle warmth that sent a shiver down her spine. Was this the key to everything? She had no idea how or why, but somehow, she knew the locket was important.
A soft knock at the door startled her. Evelyn hesitated before slipping out of bed and crossing the room. She cracked the door open just enough to see Theo standing in the dimly lit hallway, his expression unreadable.
"I hope I did not wake you," he said in a hushed tone. "But I wished to see how you were settling in."
Evelyn stepped back, allowing him to enter. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything. This place... It feels like a different world."
Theo's gaze darkened slightly, but he nodded in understanding. "London has its ways of making one feel displaced."
She watched him carefully. There was something guarded about him, a layer of mystery he wasn't quite willing to peel back. "You said earlier that you live here 'for now.' What did you mean by that?"
He exhaled, as if weighing his words carefully. "This house was my father's. After his passing, it became mine, but I do not intend to stay here forever. There are… responsibilities I must tend to."
Evelyn noticed the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers curled slightly at his sides. "Responsibilities?" she echoed.
"Business matters," he said vaguely. "But never mind that. You should rest. We will speak more in the morning."
Evelyn wanted to press further, but she could see that Theo had no intention of divulging more tonight. Still, something about his reluctance gnawed at her. She had a feeling there was much more to this man than he let on.
As he turned to leave, she impulsively reached out, her hand brushing against his sleeve. "Theo."
He paused, looking down at her with mild surprise.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For taking me in. For helping me."
For a moment, his features softened, and he inclined his head slightly. "You are welcome, Eve. Sleep well."
As he disappeared down the hall, Evelyn felt the weight of exhaustion settle over her. Tomorrow, she would find answers. About this house, about Theo, and most importantly—about the strange pull of the past that had led her here.
Little did she know, the past was already whispering back.