The night air was crisp against my skin as I followed Noachus through the garden. The candlelit windows of the grand estate flickered behind us, their warm glow casting long shadows over the gravel path. My heart pounded—half from nerves, half from the way he moved with such quiet confidence, like he belonged to the night itself.
I was supposed to be fixing María's fate. Not making the same mistakes she did.
But then again… what even was her mistake?
"You're awfully quiet, Lady Salviari," Noachus said, glancing over at me. "That's unlike you."
I forced a breathy laugh. "I'm just… taking in the view."
"The view?" He arched a brow.
"Yeah, you know. The, uh…" I waved vaguely at the dark hedges. "Bushes. Very scenic."
He smirked. "Indeed."
I bit my lip, forcing myself to focus. "So, uh. Why exactly did you want to take a walk? Not that I mind, but I feel like there's an actual reason."
Noachus didn't answer immediately. Instead, he kept walking, his hands clasped behind his back. The silence stretched between us, and just as I was about to break it with more awkward small talk, he spoke.
"You haven't forgotten, have you?"
I blinked. "Forgotten?"
His steps slowed, and I saw the flicker of something unreadable in his expression. "Our plan."
I froze. "…Our what now?"
He turned to face me fully, his gaze sharp. "María, if this is some jest, I fail to see the humor in it."
Okay. Crap.
"Uh, remind me again?" I tried to play it off. "Y'know, just in case."
Noachus frowned, studying me. Then he sighed and stepped closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "Tomorrow night. The stables, just before the changing of the guard. We take the eastern road before dawn, and by the time they realize we're gone, we'll be beyond their reach."
I stared at him, my pulse thundering in my ears. María and Noachus were going to run away together.
My stomach twisted. That's why she disappeared that night. That's why my father was furious at her. She wasn't just in love with Noachus—she was ready to risk everything for him.
"Meg—" I caught myself. "Uh, I mean… Noachus. You're talking about… leaving? As in, for good?"
A shadow passed over his face. "You know why, María. There is nothing left for us here. Your father has already given your hand to Severinus. I am no longer welcome at court. Do you mean to tell me you've changed your mind?"
I had no idea what to say.
If I agreed, I'd be going through with María's plan—one I didn't even know about until two minutes ago.
If I refused, Noachus would know something was wrong.
"I…" I swallowed. "I just—need a moment."
Noachus studied me, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "You were the one who wanted this most." His voice was soft, but there was an edge to it. "You swore to me that nothing would keep us apart. And now, when we are so close, you hesitate?"
"I—I don't know, it's just…" I scrambled for words, but his sharp gaze pinned me in place.
"You've been strange since the banquet," he said slowly. "Distant. Uncertain. You never once faltered in this plan before. What has changed?"
I forced a nervous laugh. "I mean, it's a big decision, right? Maybe I just—"
His expression darkened. "It is not merely a decision, María. It is our only chance. You knew this. You understood it better than anyone. And now…" He exhaled sharply, stepping back. "Now, you waver?"
I could hear the hurt in his voice, masked behind frustration.
"I just… I just need time to think," I whispered.
Noachus shook his head. "Time is the one thing we do not have."
Before I could answer, the night shattered around us.
"María Georgiana Salviari!"
The roar of my father's voice sent a jolt through me.
I turned sharply, and there he was—standing at the garden's entrance, flanked by half a dozen guards. His face was a mask of fury, the flickering torchlight casting sharp shadows across his features.
Noachus immediately stepped in front of me, shielding me.
"Step away from my daughter, Lord Elisaldi," my father commanded. "You will not take another step in this direction."
Noachus clenched his jaw. "My Lord, you—"
"Silence." My father's voice was like steel. His cold gaze turned to me. "María. Come here. Now."
I hesitated, my pulse hammering against my ribs.
Noachus moved as if to grab my hand, but my father raised a hand—one sharp motion, and the guards surged forward.
Noachus barely had time to react before two men seized him from either side.
"Let him go!" I gasped, reaching for him, but another guard stepped between us, blocking me.
Noachus struggled, his muscles tensing as he fought against their grip, but the soldiers held him fast.
"You dare lay hands on me?" he spat, fury in his voice. "You have no right—"
"My right," my father cut in coldly, "is to protect my daughter's honor. And I will not have her name tarnished by a disgraced lord who no longer holds favor in this court."
Noachus snarled, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "You think you can control her life?"
"I know I can."
I turned to my father, panic rising in my chest. "Father, please, let him go. We weren't—"
"You will return to the estate," he said firmly, not even sparing me a glance. "And you will forget whatever foolish notions this man has filled your head with."
Noachus struggled harder, his voice raw. "María!"
I clenched my fists. My father wasn't just stopping me from running away—he was punishing Noachus for even trying.
"Take him," my father ordered. "And make sure he does not return."
I sucked in a sharp breath.
The guards pulled Noachus back, dragging him toward the estate gates. He fought every step, his wild eyes locking onto mine.
"You swore to me, María!" His voice was hoarse, desperate. "Do not let them decide for you!"
My throat tightened. I wanted to scream, to fight, to do something.
But I wasn't María.
I wasn't the one who made this plan.
And now, I had no idea how to save him.
I turned to my father, but his icy gaze held no room for argument.
This wasn't just about María's love.
This was about power. About control.
And I wasn't sure if I could fight fate tonight.
I wasn't sure if I even should.
Noachus was dragged away into the night, his voice fading into the cold air.
And I could do nothing but watch.