Maria.
My head was throbbing with a relentless, persistent ache as I walked beside Noah down the quiet stone corridor toward the room.
After everything that had just transpired—the violent altercation with Damien, the endless shouting, and the overwhelming, life-altering revelation of Patricia's sudden existence as my twin sister—my mind felt completely fried.
I forced my lips into a small, tight smile, doing my absolute best to convince Noah that I was holding together, even though every muscle in my body trembled with sheer emotional exhaustion.
"Are you sure you're alright now?" Noah asked softly, casting a worried glance down at me, his fingers lightly brushing against mine.
"I'm fine, Noah," I whispered, keeping that fake smile plastered on my face. "I just… I really just need to get to the room and rest."
We were just turning the sharp corner near the central stairs when the loud, rhythmic thud of heavy boots echoed violently down the hallway.
