f unease. The Hartmann estate, once a place of quiet pri

uneasy alliance, navigating the treacherous w

n the balcony overlooking the c

er presence a steady warmth

if we're just pawns?

diately. "Maybe. But pa

preciating the rare flic

use, Marcus p

here are people who want to see the Hartmanns fall-pe

is fists. "Then

y wasn't alw

g note slipped under her door: "Stay

ooked to Sean, who met her ga

each other

and living room, the walls around th

ra's hand-a silent g

, torn between trust an

be just the replacement

rmly. "You're the woman

vening when a stranger appeared at the

d Sean. "Your family's foundation is buil

ightened. "W

Let's just say, so

t survival meant more than just facing external enem

their family, their future, and the

nder rattled the windows as Sean and Elora stood shoulder to shoulder in the

eep hiding behind walls. They're coming for

ightening around his arm. "

ough the tense silence. Sean exchanged

men-stern-faced, their eyes scanning

rcus explained quietly. "It's som

hit Sean and E

as far more dangerous

uneasy alliance forming as secrets spilled out b

e silence, her voice t

here to fill a role anymore. I want to

hardness in his eyes sof

dy are," h

st was

alone in the garden when a shadow

e asked - it was Arlina, her

aced. "Because

his family... it's a pris

. The memories of Arlina's betrayal mingled w

rust either of them - but he

frontation c

's outer wall. Sean and Elora

nd Marcus was already barkin

e," Marcus said grimly. "

y the fire, the flames casting f

for Elora's

ve this.

fragile threads of hope we

ackled, both wondered how long their fragile peace c