The next morning, Francisco sat at the breakfast table, his usual calm demeanor belying the storm of emotions raging within him. But as he glanced around the room, he noticed Hazel's absence, her usual seat empty beside him.

Concern furrowed his brow as he turned to Lily, the maid attending to their needs.

 "Where is she?" he inquired, his tone measured but tinged with worry.

"Master, she said she was not hungry," Lily replied, her voice soft and ...