Chapter 4

He slips into a small alleyway, obscured from the bustling streets by the encroaching evening. The alley is dark and murky, with water from the buildings above dripping down and obstructing the entrance. Through the thin crack of the door, I catch a glimpse of him disappearing into the abyss of black fabric that masks the entrance. My heart pounds with a mix of fear and anticipation. This is the moment I've been waiting for—the man who haunts my dreams, who embodies the terror that has plagued my nights for the past year, is just behind that door.

I take a deep breath, my heart racing with every step. I'm about to confront the man who has been a spectre in my nightmares, the man whose presence signifies the devastation of my family. The thought of what he might be capable of fills me with dread, yet my determination to uncover the truth propels me forward.

As I approach the door, I question what I hope to achieve. Do I want to confront him about the murder of my family? To understand why my dreams are plagued by visions of him? Or am I merely seeking answers to questions that have haunted me since our lives were torn apart?

My resolve hardens. I must find out who he is. Who could drive someone to such acts of cruelty? Who could be behind the horrors of my dreams? I knock twice, just as I saw him do. My hand trembles slightly, and the weight of my decision feels immense. There's no telling what this place truly is or what awaits me inside. I might be stepping into danger far greater than I can handle.

No answer comes from within, and my apprehension grows. I reach for the door handle, hesitating. Just then, a woman emerges from another door at the back of the alley. Though the space is cloaked in darkness, I can discern her elegant features. Her makeup is impeccable, enhancing her harmonious beauty, and her black hair falls in soft coils, pinned back on one side.

She looks at me with a gentle smile, though a flicker of surprise crosses her face. "Are you lost, little miss?" Her voice is smooth, but there's an edge of curiosity in her tone.

I recognise that she might be my way in. If she can't help me, then gaining entry will be impossible. I need to navigate this unfamiliar territory with caution. "I want to enter this place. Can you help me get in?"

Her smile falters for a moment, replaced by a look of shock that she quickly masks. "Are you looking to work here?"

Work here? The notion is perplexing. What kind of establishment would he be involved in that requires hiring? My mind races, trying to piece together the significance of this place. A tea house, perhaps? But what would someone like him be doing in such a place?

Despite my confusion, I nod, deciding that if working here is the only way in, then it's worth the risk. She studies me closely, her gaze sweeping over my appearance before she reaches out, tilting my chin gently. Her fingers trace my features with a practised ease.

"Come back when the sun sets. Knock on the back door and tell the woman there that Lillian hired you."

Her instructions are clear. Lillian, then, is the key to my entry. As she walks away, her form receding into the shadows, I'm left with a plan but also with the challenge of escaping without raising suspicion.

With three hours until sunset, I need to devise a way out of my current predicament. The only practical escape route from my room is the window, but it needs to be timed carefully to avoid detection. Noah, the gardener, often speaks with me through my window, and I consider asking for his help, but I must assume that everyone reports back to Atlas. His vigilance is stifling, but I understand his concern for my safety, even if I find it excessive.

I step back into the carriage, glancing back at Solana and Atlas, who were waiting inside. three hours until sunset—three hours to unravel the mystery of the man who has haunted my dreams and shattered my family. I must be smart, cautious. My instincts tell me to seek answers first. Whether he is a killer driven by madness or a pawn in a larger scheme, I need to know. The Emperor, with his boundless power, could orchestrate such events, but why would he target us? The Grand Duke, too, is a potential player, but what interest could he have in us?

The answers I seek may be hidden within this enigmatic place, and I am determined to uncover them, no matter the cost.