RIDDLE

rs until the door clicked shut behind me. I let out a breath of

ood box, intricately carv

ed with worry. "My lady, you can't be serious!" Holly crie

sed his Alpha command, forcing me to agree. It is a known power of an Alpha over his pack, especia

e was a strategic thinker, not just a governess. "A strat

to be alone," I said, my han

ectfully withdrew, closing

ith a faded blue ribbon, was a s

s at war. Letters filled with longing, with hope, with the despe

eyes. *My dearest Carson, Today the first snow fell... I th

ered my face. Another told him I

Your Allegra." Every o

ing in my throat. How could I have been so naive? So foolish? Pouring

nstairs. A maid's frantic voice, th

n just enough to hear. Holly was in

t?" I mout

inley," she whispered. "She's feeling unwe

heading towards the Blue Room. He didn't hesitate. He didn't even glance i

of his concerned voice faded away. That sound was the final nail

box. My resolve hardened into

ring on Finley's hand. My mother

he fireplace. A small fire was already crackl

ike severing the final thread of a

tters, my letters, and dr

need to. I knew their patheti

turned to ash. The ink, filled wi

would. It felt... clean. I was burning the old Allegra. The weak, hopeful, lo

tter was gone, the rosewood box

ater, they found me sitting calmly b

ized what I'd done. "My la

aid, my voice steady. "And I will

, understanding smile touched her lips. She saw the change

ash from my dress, "I survive. And I will make su

Holly had brought back. On the first page, Finle

d, "we start chec