Drakon stumbled into the Wilson mansion, still groaning in pain. His body ached, and his mind was clouded, but the sharpest pain came from leaving Morna. He had to distance himself from her. She had been occupying his thoughts and actions ever since their first meeting, her captivating presence lingering in his mind like an irresistible fragrance. Drakon couldn't shake off the image of her elegant figure, the way her hair fell in soft waves around her face, and the piercing intensity of her eyes that seemed to look straight into his soul.

Entering the house, he came across Arielle descending the grand staircase. She barely glanced at him, her...