Chapter 88

• Author’s POV
• Kavian lingered in the hush of the trees, half-hidden by the rough bark of an ancient oak, his gaze fixed on the fragile figure collapsing before the packhouse gates. Rose’s knees buckled, her body folding into the earth as though the weight of betrayal itself had dragged her down.
• Two guards stationed at the entrance startled at the sight, their voices rising with alarm. “Lady Rose!” They rushed forward, confusion flickering across their faces—none of them had seen her leave, and now here she was, stumbling home in silence like a ghost returning to its grave.