In the dead of night, within the sprawling Carter family estate.

Moonlight filtered through the delicate white voile curtains, spilling across the ivory bed like a celestial robe draped over the woman’s form, bathing her in a luminous sheath of light.

Francesca lay sleeping, tranquil and unaware.

A shadow stretched tall across the floor, gliding silently into the room as if the very moonlight bore him there. His steps were soundless as he approached ...