Chapter 169: Dreams Of Belonging (2)

The moon hung high in the darkened sky, casting its silvery glow over the Whittemore estate. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the gardens below.

Standing on the balcony of his chambers, Orion Montclair gazed out toward the palace in the distance. Its spires pierced the sky like silent sentinels, glittering faintly under the starlight.

The palace seemed so close, yet felt worlds away, a place where destiny awaited him. Orion rested his hands on the cool iron railing, his grip tightening as his thoughts tumbled one over the other, refusing to settle.

"I'm free," he muttered under his breath, as if saying the words aloud would make them more real. A small, fond smile touched his lips. "Finally free."

For years, freedom had been a dream he dared not entertain. His mother and grandfather had hidden him away, treating his existence as a dangerous secret.