Mila Offer of Heaven
The estate was quiet, the stillness of the night settling over Kael's barony like a heavy blanket.
Calista's departure that morning had been smooth, with all the proper protocol and courtesies observed.
Yet, despite the formalities, something about her final glance lingered in Kael's mind.
The hope, the shyness, it was a stark contrast to the composed Duchess who had negotiated with him at the table.
It had been genuine, almost vulnerable.
Kael stood by the tall window in his study, a goblet of wine in hand.
The moon cast a pale light across the courtyard below, illuminating the freshly polished cobblestones and the faint tracks left by Calista's carriage.
He swirled the wine absentmindedly, the rich red liquid catching the moonlight.
His thoughts drifted back to their conversation, the way her voice softened when she spoke to him, the subtle pauses as though she wanted to say more but held herself back.