Chapter 23: Summoned To the Royal Hall

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Morning.

Royal Main Hall

Wyfkeep Castle, 

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Her skin was fine now and she knew so she didn't have to fear being taken care of by the maids today.

Salviana woke up alone in the bed, the early light filtering through the heavy curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. She stretched her limbs, the remnants of last night's conversation with Alaric distant, like a fading dream. 

Despite the unease that lurked in the corners of her mind, she had slept peacefully—far more peacefully than she ever imagined possible in this vast, ominous castle. She had expected sleepless nights, tossing and turning in fear, waiting for the moment Alaric would finally drain her blood. But here she was, her body sinking into the soft, welcoming mattress, feeling free and oddly safe. 

'How long would this last?' she wondered.