Chapter 9 Unplanned Confessions

• "The wine is completely gone," Aurelia murmurs, holding the empty bottle up to the dim candlelight casting long shadows across the dark study.
• "There is more downstairs," Thaddeus replies from where he sits on the floor, his back resting against the bookshelves, long legs stretched out before him. He watches her with a steady, quiet gaze. "Though I think we have told enough truths tonight without needing any more liquid courage."
• Aurelia lets out a soft sigh, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on her arms. The adrenaline from the blackout and the staggering confession about her uncle's pact has faded, leaving behind a heavy, midnight exhaustion.