One week later...
Seven long days had crawled by—a week in which the estate itself seemed to forget how to breathe. Nothing changed, and yet, everything had.
Edith's tiny cries slowly grew stronger, filling the silent halls with a fragile, piercing life. But the woman who had fought so desperately to bring her into the world remained trapped in an endless, deathly sleep.
Leon never left Isabella's side for long.
The proud commander who had once radiated indomitable, terrifying strength had withered before everyone's eyes. Dark, hollow circles carved deep into his face, his beard grew unevenly across his jaw, and his once-immaculate uniform had been discarded for simple clothes. He looked like a man who had entirely forgotten the concept of sleep—or mirrors.
