Chapter 96 - An Invitation to a Lion's Den

The morning sun streamed through our bedroom window as I gazed at Alaric's troubled face. He hadn't slept well—neither had I. The weight of our mission pressed down on both of us, but especially on him. I knew he was torn between his duty to find these missing women and his promise to keep me safe.

"I hate this," he finally said, his voice rough with frustration. "You're right about having insight I don't possess, but the thought of exposing you to that monster..."

I placed my hand on his cheek. "Sometimes we must face our monsters to defeat them."

He captured my hand and kissed my palm. "I've fought many battles, Isabella, but none have terrified me like the thought of you in danger."

Before I could respond, a sharp knock interrupted us. Alistair entered with an unusually grave expression.

"Your Grace, a messenger has just delivered this." He extended a silver tray bearing an envelope sealed with deep crimson wax.