[Inside the Carriage – On the Way Back to the Raven Estate]

The dim glow of lanterns inside the carriage casts soft shadows over the silent faces within. A heavy stillness fills the space. Eivar sits by the window, resting his chin on his hand, his gaze locked on the dark scenery outside.

Alina clenches her hands tightly over her lap. In her mind, her thoughts strike again and again like a dagger stabbing a single image.

[Alina’s Inner Monologue – Cold and Tense:]

Sarith… What… what even was that? How is this possible? For years, he wasn’t even considered part of our family… and now he’s the second husband? And everyone just accepted it! Even the Queen…!

She grits her teeth and continues silently:

Why does everything always turn in his favor? If he was so important, why did he live in the shadows all this time?

Her gaze briefly flicks toward Eivar. A short, bitter smirk appears on her lips before she turns her eyes back to the window.

[Arrival at the Raven Estate]

The main doors open. Servants bow respectfully. Without looking at anyone, Eivar walks ahead with hurried steps. His tired voice echoes briefly:

Eivar:

“I’m tired. Good night.”

Without waiting for a reply, he heads upstairs.

[Eivar’s Room]

The door shuts with a muffled thud. Eivar tosses his cloak to the floor and drops onto the bed without glancing around. He hugs the pillow and stares up at the ceiling.

A few seconds of silence. Then...

Eivar (softly):

“He was beautiful… so beautiful…”

His eyes narrow slightly. In his mind, an image of Rashen’s red eyes appears—the calm yet piercing gaze, the mysterious air beneath that cloak...

Eivar:

“They said he was ugly… that his voice was monstrous…”

Rashen’s voice echoes in his ears—warm, deep, masculine.

Eivar (faint smile):

“But his voice… it was so pleasant. So calm… it made me want to hear it again…”

He takes a deep breath. His eyelids grow heavy.

Eivar (thinking):

“Why am I so… curious about him? What if those rumors… were all lies?”

His breaths slow. His eyes close.

[Silence… and the soft darkness of the room, with a fading image of Rashen’s smile lingering in Eivar’s mind.]