It was night, and the darkness wrapped around the mansion like a protective cloak.

My earlier confrontation with Vespera had surprisingly left me feeling at ease, even happy. It was gratifying to witness her experience the consequences of her actions, to see her suffer, and I could only hope this was merely the beginning of her torment.

At last, I had succeeded in putting her in her place, and for the first time, I felt a sense of triumph.

“You should get to bed,” my father’s voice resonated behind me, steady yet firm. “Tomorrow will be a long day. We’re leaving,” he added.

I turned to him and let out...