Despite their best efforts, neither Mr. nor Mrs. Smith could find rest that night. Both sat at the small, rickety table in the corner of their cramped home, their faces drawn and pale as they sipped on cooling cups of herbal tea. The flickering light from the lone candle on the table cast dancing shadows on the walls, but it did nothing to soothe their nerves. The thought of their youngest daughter in the clutches of the infamous Deathbringer haunted their every waking moment.
Mariana sighed, rubbing her temples as exhaustion threatened to consume her. She looked across the table at Isabelle, who sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap and her face a picture of sadness.
Breaking the heavy silence, Mariana asked softly, “Do you have any idea how your sister managed to capture Prince Hei
