Rissa’s POV

The next morning, I woke to the sound of voices.

Not shouting. Not panic. Just voices that sounded like disarray.

I took off the blanket, my skin still warm from where Mark had slept beside me. The balcony door was closed now. He was gone.

I changed into a black cardigan and padded barefoot down the hallway.

The estate, which felt calm just a few hours ago, was now full of activity. Guards moved swiftly but quietly. Their footsteps echoed against the stone walls. The air felt ...