On the Road, Approaching the Capital
The horses trotted at a steady pace, hooves soft against the dirt. The early evening breeze carried with it the faint scent of city life.
Evie slumped in her saddle with an exaggerated groan.
Evie: "Finally. I'm going to sleep for three days straight."
She turned lazily toward Levi, one brow arched.
"By the way... why didn't they leave too?"
Levi didn't answer immediately. Her eyes remained locked on the growing silhouette of the capital, its walls cutting into the horizon like a crown.
Levi: "They're distributing the antidote to the outer districts. They'll return in a week. Max."
Evie sighed dramatically.
Evie: "Typical."
About an hour later, the Capital City Gates rose before them, bathed in fading gold. Guards recognized them instantly, saluting and stepping aside.
They parted at the first crossroad—Evie turning toward the Ford manor, Levi guiding her horse toward the Adler estate without a word.
Adler Estate
Levi stepped into the grand foyer, dirt still clinging to her boots, her cloak trailing the scent of frost and smoke. She ignored the servants entirely, heading straight for her room.
The moment her hand touched the door, it flew open.
Izara: "You're back!"
Her younger sister launched into her arms. Levi stumbled a half-step, then smiled faintly, hugging her back.
George: "You literally came back like a war hero."
Before she could reply, four sets of footsteps thundered up the stairs.
Her uncles crowded the hall of her room. Maximus and Jake grinned like proud commanders. Jake's eyes were red-rimmed. Lockwood muttered something about allergies, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief.
Then—
A knock at the end of the hall.
The butler appeared in the doorway, bowing slightly.
Butler: "Lady Levi... you are summoned by the Grand Duke."
The warmth on her face evaporated.
Her eyes lost their softness. Her spine straightened.
Levi: "I'll be back later. You don't need to wait."
And with that, she slipped past them, leaving the comfort behind without looking back.
Grand Duke Henry Adler's Study
The oak door creaked open. Candlelight danced across velvet curtains and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
He stood by the window, tall and still, silhouetted by moonlight.
He didn't turn.
Henry: "You've done well. That... is how an Adler should act."
The weight in his voice was unmistakable. I need a written report. The Emperor expects it by morning council."
Levi's tone was clipped.
Levi: "I'll finish it by dawn."
He turned, just enough for his voice to land sharper.
Henry: "No. I want it before the meeting."
She didn't flinch. Didn't argue. Just took the order like a command.
A pause.
Levi: "Where's Mother?"
Henry: "Sleeping. You can see her tomorrow."
The silence stretched. It said more than words ever could.
Then Levi turned, cloak whispering against the frame, and disappeared
down the hall.
Her Bedroom
She entered the room quietly.
Didn't remove her boots.
Didn't undress.
She dropped onto the bed, face up, her eyes locking on the swaying chandelier above.
The ceiling spun slowly.
Levi (internal): "It was easier when I was in danger… at least then I knew what to do."
She turned her face into the pillow.
Levi (softly): "Now it's back to this again."
Her voice faded into the dark.
Silence answered her.
The Next Morning
The Adler estate pulsed with motion. Coats were thrown on. Boots tapped against marble. Staff readied the carriages.
Inside the main hall, Henry adjusted his cuffs sharply.
Henry: "Where is Levi? And her report?"
The butler froze briefly—then bowed his head.
Butler: "Lady Levi has already departed for the palace. At 8 a.m. sharp, Your Grace."
Henry blinked once. Just once.
Then clenched his jaw and turned toward the door.
Henry: "Let's go."
Palace Gates
The Adler carriage rolled to a smooth stop. Nobles stepped out, draped in sharp-cut formalwear, their presence commanding.
But tension rode with them—coiled and sharp.
Inside the marble halls, Grand Duke Henry Adler strode forward, his expression composed but tight, irritation flickering behind his eyes.
Henry (to Maximus, low and sharp): "She left without a word. No report. No explanation. She knows how important this is."
None of the brothers responded. Even Lockwood knew better than to speak when Henry was in this mood.
But then, a softer voice broke the air.
Duchess Nola Adler (placing a hand gently on his arm): "Henry. Not here."
He turned toward her, but she held his gaze, unshaken.
Nola: "We'll speak to her when we return. Don't make a scene in the palace."
Her tone was firm. Maternal. Final.
Henry exhaled slowly.
And just like that, the storm retreated—barely.
The great doors opened.
The Adlers entered the council chamber.
Composed. Unshaken.
Even though one of them was already inside.
Imperial Study
The room was bathed in a soft golden light, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the grand marble chessboard where Levi Adler sat. She was poised—relaxed but alert—fingers brushing lightly over a pawn as she calculated her next move.
The Empress lounged nearby on a velvet chaise, her posture elegant, one leg crossed over the other, a gentle smile playing at her lips. Her gaze flicked between the board and Levi, the unspoken approval in her eyes almost tangible.
Standing off to the side, arms folded across his chest, Alexander observed the game silently. His face was an unreadable mask, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of both amusement and pride.
Emperor (lightly, his voice barely rising above the stillness): "If the grain tax is raised by two percent in the northern provinces, what's the backlash?"
Levi's fingers hovered over a knight, then moved it decisively forward.
Levi(without missing abeat, her tone calm): "Riots by the end of the week, Your Majesty. The north is still recovering from the last drought, and Longans. Raise their tax, and you'll lose their favor along with their crops."
The Emperor chuckled low, almost admiring her sharpness. He moved his bishop.
Emperor(mocking curiosity): "And what would you suggest?"
A faint smirk tugged at Levi's lips.
Levi(quietly confident): "Lower the grain tax by one percent in the north, raise the import tax on southern silk by five. The nobles will grumble, but they'll survive. The farmers won't revolt, and you'll still come out with a surplus."
The Empress's smile widened, her eyes glinting with approval.
Empress (fondly, with a touch of admiration): "She plays politics like she plays chess—bold and clever."
Before Levi could respond, the door opened, and a royal attendant stepped inside, leaning toward Alexander, whispering urgently.
Alexander listened intently, then nodded.
Alexander (glancing toward the Emperor, his voice soft): "The council members have arrived, Your Majesty."
The Emperor didn't even glance up. Instead, he moved his queen across the board, capturing one of Levi's rooks with a slow, deliberate motion.
Emperor(calm, unfazed): "Let them wait. I'm in a meeting."
Alexander stifled a small, amused sigh. He turned to the attendant.
Alexander(smiling just a little): "Tell them His Majesty is occupied. They'll wait."
And in the silence of the sunlit chamber, the Emperor leaned back in his chair, eyes locked on the board.
Emperor (without shifting his gaze): "Your move, Lady Adler."
Levi's queen moved smoothly, positioning herself directly before the Emperor's king. Her voice was soft but firm, a clear challenge in her tone.
Levi(quietly, with finality): "Checkmate, Your Majesty."
The Emperor stared at the board, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the swift, decisive move. Then, with a long, defeated sigh, he leaned back in his chair. A flicker of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but it was fleeting.
Emperor(grinning, more to himself than to anyone else): "You children never let me win."
Levi(dryly, aglimmer of pride in her tone): "You taught us not to."
The Empress chuckled softly from her seat, and even Alexander fought a smile.
Levi, however, remained unmoved. She reached into her coat and handed a sealed document to Alexander.
Levi(her tone professional, unruffled): "My full report on the Dovrin operation. Signed and detailed, as requested."
The Emperor took the document with a nod, but his gaze never left Levi's face, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly in quiet concern.
Emperor(his voice sharpening, the mood shifting): "Tell me, what really happened there?"
Levi met his gaze directly, her expression unreadable. She didn't flinch, didn't look away.
Levi(measured, controlled): "We traced the poisoned water supply to herbs delivered under direct orders. The Lord of Dovrin, Baron Limbers was working with external forces—a maid we believe was sent personally by Consort Hayes. We neutralized the situation, created an antidote, and distributed it. The citizens are safe again."
The Emperor's eyes hardened, his lips thinning.
Emperor(with cold precision): "So it was Hayes…"
Levi's voice dropped to a near whisper.
Levi(quiet, but certain): "Yes. We believe so."
Alexander's jaw tightened at her words, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.
The Emperor, though, folded his hands before his mouth, his gaze now distant, contemplative.
Emperor(his voice sharp, probing): "And did you fight with your father again?"
Levi held his gaze without wavering, her expression unreadable.
Levi(coolly, without hesitation): "No, Your Majesty. I merely claimed my reward."
The Empress raised an elegant brow, a playful amusement dancing in her gaze. The Emperor chuckled heartily at Levi's words.
Emperor(with a grin, standing from his chair): "Spoken like a true Adler. Now—"
He gestured toward the great hall, his tone shifting to something more formal, yet still casual in its authority.
Emperor(commanding, decisive): "You'll join us for the council meeting."
Levi inclined her head respectfully.
Levi(softly, accepting): "Of course, Your Majesty."
The Council Hall
The grand double doors groaned as they opened. The murmurs from the council members—who had been shifting impatiently for over half an hour—fell silent in an instant. All eyes turned, but no one dared move, not even to breathe, when they saw who had entered.
The Emperor, regal and composed, stepped into the room first, but it was Levi who commanded the room's attention. Her chin was lifted, her face as unreadable as stone, yet every gaze seemed drawn to her presence.
The Emperor didn't falter in his stride as he moved toward his seat at the head of the table, with Levi walking beside him, every step calculated and calm. The council members stood in unison, bowing their heads respectfully before slowly resuming their seats.
Discussions of border issues, noble disputes, and crop yields resumed, but the air in the room felt charged, the tension palpable. The Emperor raised his hand—one single gesture—and the room fell utterly silent.
Emperor(his voice carrying the weight of authority): "Before we proceed further, I have an announcement."
The room stilled further.
Emperor(with a touch of pride): "To congratulate Lady Levi Rose Adler and Lord Winter Swann Verlice for their exceptional contributions in Dovrin, for saving countless civilians, and for upholding the name of their Houses—"
His gaze swept the room, proud and firm.
Emperor(with finality): "I will host a royal ball in their honor."
A ripple of gasps spread like wildfire through the room.
Emperor(turning to his left, his gaze cold but commanding): "Consort Hayes."
The Consort straightened, her smile barely twitching, but the tension in the room could be felt by everyone. The Emperor's voice was suddenly sharper, with a clear, final note.
Emperor(sharply, issuing an order): "You will handle the arrangements. I want everything flawless."
Then he turned to face the council again, his voice firm and unyielding.
Emperor(sharply, final): "I will attend the ball myself."
Another round of murmurs swirled through the room. This had not happened in years.
The Emperor then turned to Alexander, his voice cold but commanding.
Emperor(to Alexander, with finality): "Summon the young Duke Verlice. He is to return immediately."
Alexander bowed deeply, his tone respectful.
Alexander (firm, compliant): "Yes, Your Majesty."
With that, the Emperor leaned back in his chair, his gaze unshifting as the weight of his words settled over the room. It was a moment of quiet authority. No one could deny that this ball was more than a celebration.
It was a statement.
The Emperor rose with the grace of a monarch, his robes sweeping behind him like shadows in the light. Without a word, he left the chamber.
The room stood still for a moment—caught between awe and uncertainty—before the council members began to rise, bowing and exiting, murmuring quietly amongst themselves.
Levi, however, remained behind. Her heels clicked softly on the marble as she approached Alexander, who was calmly collecting the Emperor's documents.
Levi(softly, with a hint of exasperation): "Can you send me somewhere? Anywhere that's not home."
Alexander glanced up, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Alexander (teasingly): "You could always come with me to the Imperial estate. We have some… 'business' to handle."
Levi let out a long, weary sigh, rubbing the back of her neck.
Levi (dryly): "I'll pass on the family reunion."
The palace Stairs
Levi's family stood like marble statues—lined up across the stairs, a council of judgment in broad daylight.
At the center: The Grand Duke, his gaze a brewing storm.
Maximus. Lockwood. Jake. All there. All watching.
Levi didn't break stride.
She mounted her horse in one fluid motion, spine straight, face carved from stone.
No words. No nods.
Just the thunder of hooves as she kicked off and vanished down the palace road.
The nobles murmured. Her family remained still—forced into silence by too many eyes.
She rode.
Straight home.
Adler State
The family gathered in the main hall. Firelight flickered behind the Grand Duke, shadows dancing on stone.
Levi stood alone, posture crisp, hands clasped behind her back.
The others sat or lingered—tense, waiting.
The Grand Duke's voice cut the silence like a blade.
Grand Duke (sharp):"Why did you go to the palace without telling anyone?"
Levi didn't blink.
Levi (calmly):"To deliver the report. To the Emperor."
Grand Duke: "I asked you to give it to me. So I could present it on behalf of the Adler family."
Levi stepped forward.
Levi: "It was my operation. My reward to claim. Not the family's."
A flicker of discomfort passed through the room.
The Grand Duke's tone sharpened.
Grand Duke: "What did you speak about with the Emperor?"
A beat.
Levi met his gaze.
Levi: "It was a private conversation. I cannot disclose it to outsiders."
Outsiders.
The word cracked like ice.
Silence fell heavy.
Levi didn't stay to feel it.
She turned. And walked out—again.
Raven Palace - Consort Private Chambers
Behind thick velvet curtains and marble walls, Consort Ivory Huston Hayes raged like a storm caged in silk.
Her curls were undone. Her teacup shattered on the floor.
A young maid knelt, trembling.
Consort Hayes(screaming): "You useless worm! You were meant to watch! To report!. And you stood there as it all unraveled!
The maid whimpered.
Consort Hayes: "I couldn't get rid of Levi. Couldn't touch Winter. Couldn't even spark a damn scandal!"
She hurled a vase. Ceramic exploded against the wall.
Then—
A knock.
The head maid entered, calm as ever. A ghost in black lace.
She bowed.
Head Maid (coolly):"Your Highness. I have... a suggestion."
Ivory turned to her, breath ragged, eyes wild.
Consort Hayes: "Speak."
The head maid leaned in—whispered something low and sharp.
A beat.
Consort Hayes straightened slowly... her rage cooling into something crueler.
A smirk spread across her lips.
Then laughter—melodic, haunting.
Consort Hayes: "Oh... yes. Let the Empire see how perfect they really are."
Verlice Stables
Winter Swann Verlice stood beside a black stallion, gloves dusted in saddle oil, eyes on the horizon.
The air was quiet.
Until hooves thundered down the path.
Alexander Romerro dismounted smoothly, tossing the reins to a stable boy.
He marched straight to Winter.
Alexander: "We need to talk."
Winter waited, silent.
Alexander: "The Emperor's summoned you. He's throwing a ball—honoring you and Levi."
Winter's eyes narrowed, just slightly.
Alexander: "Consort Hayes is arranging it. He said he'll attend himself."
Beat
"Levi was there, too. Played chess with the Emperor. Outwitted him. Handed over the report herself. Claimed the reward. Alone. Pretty sure she fought with the Grand Duke. Left the house without a word. Showed up at the palace like it meant nothing."
Winter looked away.
Just a flicker of something—buried fast.
Alexander: "But why her? Why him? Why ask the Consort to arrange it?"
Winter's voice came low. Calculated.
Winter: "Because he wants to unmask her. In the light. In front of everyone."
No shadows. No lies.
Just truth—With nowhere left to run.
Silence.
Alexander studied him. Almost admiring.
Alexander: "That's... cold."
Winter turned back to the horse. Cinched the saddle.
Winter: "It's imperial politics. You don't chase the snake through the grass. You wait until it's basking in the sun."
He mounted. With one swift motion, he was gone.
Adler State
Later that night, the Adler estate lay cloaked in silence. High walls cast long shadows beneath the pale moonlight. The lamps were dimmed. The halls, empty. Everyone else asleep—or pretending to be.
But not Levi.
Out in the private yard, where no servants were allowed and only the family trained, the sound of steel echoed faintly against stone.
Clang.Clang.Clang.
Levi Rose Adler, still in her daywear, coat discarded, moved with sharp, deliberate strikes. Her sword cut through the air with practiced precision
—controlled, but seething with restrained frustration.
Her breath came in small, visible clouds. Cheeks flushed from the cold and effort. She pivoted, slashed, twisted into a defensive stance, then lunged again—harder.
Levi (thinking): "A ball. A damn ball. As if everything we just did can be polished and paraded on a silver tray. He wants us to play dress-up… in a room full of wolves."
She spun once more and slammed the blade into the training dummy.
Crack.
It split halfway down the center.
Levi (whispering): "Why does it feel more like punishment than reward?"
She stepped back, chest rising, gripping the hilt so tightly her knuckles whitened.
Levi (muttering): "That old bastard knew what he was doing. Putting me and her in the same room. Surrounded by eyes. Surrounded by... him."
The sword lowered slightly. Her golden eyes flicked up to the stars. Lips drawn tight.
Levi: "Now I've gotta dance around poison… in a glass dress."
Not scared. Just angry. Tired. Determined.
She tightened her grip and started again—faster this time.
Sharper.
If she had to smile through the politics, she'd fight through the night instead.
The rhythmic swing of her blade was interrupted by footsteps—soft, approaching. Levi didn't turn. One final strike, then she pivoted sharply.
Isa stood there, shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders, lantern in hand. Its flickering glow lit the lines of quiet worry on her face.
Isa: "You really don't sleep, do you?"
Levi rested the sword on her shoulder. Her voice cool.
Levi: "Not when I'm being paraded around in a silk noose."
Isa offered a faint smile, not rising to the bait. She stepped closer, hesitating, voice softening.
Isa: "It's about the note. From Dovrin."
Levi's gaze sharpened. Her voice dropped.
Levi: "You found out who sent it?"
Isa nodded, glancing over her shoulder.
Isa: "One of the Hayes estate's inner maids. She delivered it herself—on purpose. And now… she wants to meet you."
Levi's eyes narrowed, sharp as glass.
Levi: "Why would a maid from that house want to meet me? Unless she's an idiot or a traitor."
Isa: "No name. Just said it was important. That she's risking a lot."
Silence.
Levi sheathed her sword, expression unreadable now. The heat of training giving way to cold calculation.
Levi: "Set it up. I'll go."
Isa: "Are you sure?"
Levi (quietly): "If she's turning on the Consort... I want to hear every word."
She turned back toward the estate, sword at her side.
But her mind was already moving—like pieces on a chessboard.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
A crumbling shell on the city's edge.
Levi pushed the door open, one hand on her hidden dagger. Isa raised the lantern, flame flickering as they stepped into the narrow room.
And there she was.
The maid lay sprawled on the wooden floor. Eyes wide. Fear frozen in them. Blood pooled beneath her. A single stab wound to the back.
Levi didn't flinch. But her jaw tightened.
Isa gasped and rushed forward, dropping to her knees.
Isa: "She's still warm—maybe… maybe she—"
Levi (sharply): "She's dead."
She crouched beside her, calm. Professional. Cold.
Levi (quietly): "They found out. She tried to help... now she's of no use."
Isa looked up, voice cracking.
Isa: "She said she was careful…"
Levi stood, brushing her hands clean on her cloak.
Levi: "Not careful enough."
She turned, voice like steel.
Levi: "We need to leave. If we linger, we're next."
Isa looked back at the girl one last time. Then followed Levi into the dark.
The lantern swayed. Shadows followed close behind.
The message was clear.
Someone inside the Hayes estate had panicked.
And Levi was running out of time.
Two blocks away, Winter's horse slowed as they passed the lamp-lit streets of the capital. Crane rode beside him, both cloaked in the hush of night. The city slept—but the air thrummed with tension. Like it knew something had returned.
Ahead—movement. Two fast shadows slipping through an alley, heading straight for the Adler estate.
Winter pulled his reins, eyes narrowing.
Winter: "Crane."
Crane turned with a hum.
Winter: "Take the men back to the Verlice estate. I'll follow."
Crane's gaze locked onto the figures.
Crane: "Assassins?"
Winter: "Or worse."
A nod. Crane signaled the group, and they veered off without a word.
Winter dismounted in one fluid motion. Silent. Steady. Blade ready.
He trailed the shadows, weaving through alleys like a ghost. They were trained—not common thieves. The way they moved, the way they stuck to the dark.
They had a purpose.
His jaw tensed. The closer they came to the Adler walls, the clearer it became.
Winter (muttering): "Let's see what you're really after…"
He climbed the wall, swift and soundless, slipping in behind them.
The hunt had begun.
The wind rustled through the trees in the private yard as Levi slowed her steps, sharp eyes scanning the shadows.
Levi (low voice): "Isa… we're being followed. Not just anyone. Someone trained. Get ready."
Isa didn't respond—just shifted her posture, hand gliding to the blade hidden at her side. No running. No panic. They walked calmly into the yard, steps light, hearts steady, eyes alert.
The presence drew closer.
She could feel it.
Hear it.
A soft rustle.The faintest whisper of boots on stone.
The moment he crossed into the yard, Isa spun—faster than a blink. Her blade flashed upward toward the intruder's throat—
But he was faster.
He sidestepped, the knife slicing air, and before Isa could recover, Levi was there—ice dagger summoned in one fluid motion, glowing faintly blue in the moonlight.
She pressed the tip just before the man's eyes.
He didn't flinch.
Instead, he slowly pulled back his hood.
And Levi froze.
Winter Verlice stood still, breath calm, golden eyes locked on hers.
He'd known it was her.
Winter (softly): "You always lead with your left foot. Makes your third step sharper."
Levi didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just narrowed her eyes… then slowly withdrew the dagger.
Isa glanced between them, still tense.
Isa: "…You know him?"
Levi (sighing): "Unfortunately."
Winter smirked faintly, brushing a leaf off his shoulder.
Winter: "You're welcome for not getting stabbed."
Levi: "You're welcome for not getting frozen."
The tension thinned—just barely. But it lingered, coiled and unspoken.
Levi crossed her arms, dagger still loose in her grip.
Levi: "What are you even doing here, Winter?"
He shrugged, adjusting his collar like he hadn't just dodged death.
Winter: "I saw two suspicious figures sneaking around the Adler estate. Thought you were assassins. Came to help."
Isa scoffed quietly. Levi didn't even blink.
Winter's gaze flicked between them, then he nodded slightly.
Winter (coolly): "But now that I've seen what's going on…"
He stepped back.
Bowed.
"I'll take my leave."
And just like that, he turned and vanished into the shadows—no smug last word. No dramatic pause.
Levi opened her mouth—maybe to stop him. But he was already gone.
Isa: "…Did he really think we were assassins?"
Levi (dryly):"He's always been dramatic."
And yet—her grip on the dagger had loosened. Her eyes lingered on the place he'd disappeared.
Winter's horse moved steadily beneath him, the night air cool against his face, carrying the scent of stone, smoke, and something faintly floral. He didn't rush.
Not after that.
Assassins.Right.
He scoffed.
Winter (muttering): "Of course it was her. Who else draws a blade first and asks questions never?"
Levi Adler.
She hadn't flinched. If he'd moved a second too slow, she might've killed him.
And yet—he'd known it was her before the blade even came close. That footwork. The drag of her left heel. He could read her in the dark.
And that scared him.
Not because he feared her.
Because he understood her.
Too well.
Winter (quietly): "Why didn't she stop me?"
She looked like she wanted to say something.
But didn't.
And he'd left before she could.
That part—he regretted.
He tugged at his collar, jaw tight. The streets of the capital blurred around him, but his thoughts circled like wolves.
She was furious earlier.
The way she almost killed me…
What is she thinking about the ball? About the Emperor?
About me?
He tilted his head, letting the moonlight wash over his face.
Winter: "She's hiding something. Something big."
And if he knew Levi Rose Adler—
She wouldn't say a word unless she had to.
Unless it was life or death.
He exhaled, sharp and shallow.
Winter: "Then I'll have to be there… before it becomes life or death."
The Verlice gates came into view, but his mind stayed behind—lost in the shadows of the Adler estate. In the eyes of a girl who never said goodbye.
And somehow—he knew their conversation wasn't over.
Not even close.
Levi stood still in the yard, dagger slack in her hand.
Levi (muttering): "How rude."
She'd been about to speak. Trying, at least. And he just walked off.
Like she didn't matter.
She sighed and flipped the dagger once before letting it melt back into mist.
Levi: "Next time, I'm putting a crack in his jaw before I let him leave."
But even as she said it, her lips twitched. Annoyed. Not angry. Not really.
Still, there were bigger things ahead.
The Emperor.The ball.The Consort.
She took a breath and started toward the estate, Isa trailing silently behind her.
Levi (to herself): "Tomorrow. I'll talk to Winter. He needs to know what the Emperor's really planning... And I want Evie and Alex there too."
She wasn't letting Consort Hayes win again.
Not this time.
They were going to strike back—publicly. Brilliantly.
Strategically.
Inside, she climbed the stairs and paused only to glance at Isa.
Levi: "Find Evie. And Alexander. I want to talk first thing in the morning—somewhere private."
Isa nodded and slipped into the hall.
Levi didn't bother lighting the chandelier when she reached her room. She unbuckled her belt, set aside her heels, and dropped into bed, tunic and all. The ceiling stared back in silence.
She exhaled once—tired, thoughtful, already planning.
And then, slowly…Finally…
She closed her eyes.