The house felt different at night. Its shadows stretched longer, every quiet corner breathing secrets Lorraine wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Though the rooms were grand and filled with beauty, there was something unsettling about being here—like the walls themselves held their breath, waiting.
Unable to sleep, Lorraine found herself drifting down the long hall until she stood before Roman’s room. She lifted her hand, hesitated, then knocked softly.
“Come in,” came his smooth voice.
Roman was standing near the window, the moonlight silvering his features. He looked less like the polished host and more like something carved out of the night itself. Lorraine’s throat tightened, but she forced a small smile.
“I just…wanted to thank you. For everything you’ve done for me. For us.”
He cro
