ed tricks on her eyes, casting faint glimmers on what might have been a face. She stepped

toward the door. If someone was outside, she needed to find Sister Agnes or

ened her door. The convent halls were silent, the air thick with the weight of the late hour. The faint flicker

pen, the night air rushing to greet her. The garden stretched before her, the soft rustling of

called, her voice

shadows. It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, his face obsc

aid, his voice l

ipped a beat

gency in his eyes she hadn't seen before. "I'm sorry for startling you,"

houlders, unsure of what to feel. "How di

ice tinged with guilt. "B

ed. "Why are you

tation palpable. "Victoria, there's... somet

her curiosity deepening. "Th

"No," he said at last, shaking his head. "It's nothi

ss him further, the sound of approaching footsteps shat

the night, her silhouette appearing at the ed

t and silent. Victoria turned to Sister Agnes, her heart pou

e garden. "At this hour? Come inside, ch

spot where Fedrick had vanished. She followed Sist

ingered above all others: What was Fedrick so despera

le chilling realization settled over her: