Bab 167: Shriveling flower

The shadows stretched long across the stone floor as Rose stood motionless, her eyes fixed unseeingly out the narrow window. She barely registered anything as her thoughts were consumed by the maelstrom of emotions roiling within her.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her reverie, causing her heart to skip a beat. With a deep breath, she composed herself and called out, "Enter."

The door creaked open, and Damien stepped into the room, his presence filling the space with an almost tangible tension. Rose felt her stomach twist with unease as she met his intense gaze, the air crackling with unspoken words.

"Rose," Damien said, his voice smooth and controlled. "May I have a word with you?"

Rose nodded, though her insides churned with apprehension. She had known this moment would come, had braced herself for the confrontation she knew was inevitable.