Chapter 44 A Night Of Vulnerability

The mansion gates creaked closed behind them with a soft but final thud, shutting out the night’s dangers. Ethan didn’t say a word as he guided Emily through the front door, his hand gently resting on her back, urging her inside. The air felt thicker now, suffocating in its silence, but Emily didn’t mind. For the first time today, the weight on her shoulders eased ever so slightly. She led the way to the grand sitting room, her eyes scanning every corner as though expecting someone—or something—to jump out at her. Ethan stayed close, never letting her out of his sight, his eyes burning with a fire she wasn’t sure how to read.