Chapter 47: Dark Times

Rose spun around, her breath catching in her throat, but there was no one behind her. The shadow was gone, if it had ever been there at all.

Before she could collect herself, Angel Seraviel emerged from the hedge maze, his long strides cutting through the still morning air.

He seemed ready to head toward the yard when he stopped abruptly, his piercing gaze locking onto her.

"What are you doing here?" His tone was sharp, accusatory, as though he already expected the worst.

Rose's mouth opened, but no words came out. Her trembling hand slowly pointed to Lyra's lifeless body sprawled behind the bench.

Seraviel's expression barely changed. He walked toward the spot she indicated, his movements calm but purposeful.

He crouched by the body, studying it for a long moment before rising. His voice, when it came, was cold. "Did you see who did it?"

Rose shook her head, her voice faltering. "I... I didn't."