I spend the day at Eric’s house, immersed in laughter and enjoying myself. When it's time to leave, Eric kindly offers to walk me back to the castle, but I politely decline. Instead, I choose to make the journey on my own.

Walking into the castle, I notice Nickolas immediately, his demeanor radiating anger as he strides purposefully towards me. Panic grips me as I realize his fury is directed at me. What could I have possibly done to incur his wrath? I'm still reeling from my recent ...