Betty's POV.

The walk back to the castle felt heavier than the air around us. 

Claire didn’t speak, not because she had nothing to say, but because for the first time since I met her, she didn’t know where to place her thoughts.

Neither did I.

The familiar halls of the castle should have felt safe, comforting, and predictable.

Instead, every step echoed like a warning.

When we reached the main entrance, Claire finally spoke.

“We tell Damien. Immediately.”

I nodded. “And ...