章 17: Chapter 17

The room was dark and seemed to absorb all the light, casting eerie shadows across its ancient walls. Althea sat in a high-backed chair, positioned directly across from King Darian, who sat by the window, his strong arms crossed over his chest. His silhouette was imposing, and the oppressive atmosphere made Althea bite her lip nervously.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, the creaking of the old wooden chair echoing through the room. Her anxiety was palpable, and the nervous tapping of her feet against the cold stone floor seemed to reverberate throughout the chamber.

Althea knew she had found herself in a precarious situation. She had been discovered in the forbidden room by Victor, the man she now realized was Lucy's brother. Her heart ached with regret for not realizing the deceit earlier. Lucy and Victor had played with her emotions, manipulating her into believing half-truths and false narratives.