Valerian Cross 10      

At precisely six in the morning, Evelyn was woken by a persistent knock on her door. A servant, dressed in the stiff, formal attire of the Cross household, bowed slightly as he delivered the message.

"Lord Valerian requests your presence for breakfast, Miss Night."

Evelyn smirked. As expected. She had already anticipated this summons, which was why she deliberately took her time getting ready. If Valerian thought he could simply shackled her and left her yesterday without consequence, he was sorely mistaken. Making him wait was a small, petty revenge for what he had done the night before.

By the time she arrived at the grand dining hall, it was well past the expected hour. The room was breathtaking—high vaulted ceilings adorned with elaborate chandeliers, casting a golden glow over the long, mahogany table laden with an extravagant feast.