Chapter 17: Opening the Castle

The next morning, I wake up feeling cold. I open my eyes and Dominik is no longer in front of me, the bed and the rest of my room empty. I sit up, rubbing my arms against the cool air. Was it just a vivid dream?

I dress and leave the room, traversing downstairs. As I reach the bottom step, Dominik opens the door to the entrance, entering with a couple of birds gripped in his hand. His eyes connect with mine, but quickly look away.

“Good morning,” I say.

“Good morning,” he replies with a slight cough.

“Last night—”

“I am going to prepare breakfast,” he cuts in, disappearing through the door towards the kitchen.

I frown. Why is he suddenly avoiding me? After the night we spent together—if we indeed spent the night together. I start to convince myself that it really was just a dream. However, what would lead him to act so awkward in that case?