ISABEL POV

The remainder of the day unfolded in a tranquil haze, with servants swiftly dismantling our picnic setup as Alpha Xavier escorted me to the awaiting carriage. As we departed from the garden, I hoped to prolong the moment, relishing in the lingering euphoria of our time together. However, when I turned to Alpha Xavier, I was met with a sight that caught me off guard.

His demeanor was distant, his expression clouded with a palpable darkness that seemed to intensify as we approached Tarrenhall and drew closer to the Castle of Serenity. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach, signaling that he was in no mood...