WHISPERS IN THE DARK

Ayla sat on the balcony of the east wing, the moonlight dancing over her face as a breeze drifted through the silk curtains. The estate was quiet—too quiet. For days now, she'd felt it, like eyes watching her from the shadows.

Viper had been more protective lately. His usual cold demeanor had softened into concern. He'd been spending more time with her—dinners, walks in the garden, even teaching her how to read the estate's coded maps. But tonight, he was gone again. Called away on urgent business. And Ayla was alone.

She traced a finger along the railing, her mind a battlefield of longing and guilt. Leon's face haunted her dreams. The way his hand had reached for hers before she turned away. The way he hadn't stopped her—even though his eyes had begged her not to go.

"Did I make the right choice?" she whispered.

Behind her, the creak of the floor made her jump.

It was only Mira, the maid who'd grown close to her. She smiled softly and set a tray on the table.

"Tea, Miss Ayla. I thought you might need something warm tonight."

Ayla nodded, but Mira didn't leave right away. She hesitated, glancing at the hallway behind her.

"Be careful," Mira said suddenly, voice barely above a whisper. "Not everyone here is loyal to your father."

Ayla's heart skipped. "What do you mean?"

But Mira just bowed and walked away without another word.

Ayla turned back to the night. The estate's guards were doubled lately. She'd heard the whispers—someone had tried to breach the southern wall. An enemy. A message. But no one had told her who or why.

Was Leon involved?

She hugged her arms around herself.

Down below, a figure darted across the courtyard—too fast to be a guard, too silent to be friendly. Ayla blinked, unsure if it was her imagination.

No. Something was wrong.

She rose and moved inside, her heartbeat pounding. She needed to speak to Viper. Or Mira. Or anyone who would tell her the truth.

Because whatever peace she thought she'd found here…

It was starting to crack.