Now he is sitting in his study, alone, reviewing documents, the room dimly lit by a single lamp and the pale glow of moonlight slipping through the open windows.

He finished one document, set it aside, and picked up the next one. His fingers were just about to open it when—

A gust of wind swept through the window, the curtains lifted. His black hair, usually pinned back so neatly, fell forward across his forehead. He set the document down and casually ran his fingers through his hair, pushing the strands back into place.

Then he turned his gaze toward the window. The moon hung bright in the night sky. Its light poured through the window, painting silver streaks across the wooden floor. He stared at it for a long moment.

Finally, he stood up from his chair and walked to the hanger by the door. He took his coat and put it on.

Then he left the study, descended the manor's stairs, and slipped out through the back door.

***

A little earlier, Evandria had gone to see Veronica. She had something she wanted to ask her. And it also gave her an excuse to walk the halls, to feel less like a prisoner in her own home.

Now she stood in the main hall, having just said goodbye to Veronica, when—

A perfume's scent washed over her. Fresh like morning air, mixed with something deeper, something she couldn't name. But it was strong enough to linger.

She knew that scent well. It was Elion's perfume. The one he always wore.

She looked around for him, but he was nowhere in sight. Then her gaze landed on the back door of the mansion. It was slightly open.

Did he go to the vineyard again?

She stood there, staring at that door, caught between two choices.

Should I follow him this time?

No. Why should I care what he does there? He can do whatever he wants.

She turned away and began climbing the stairs. One step. Two. Three. But then she stopped. Her hand tightened on the railing.

But what if he really is doing something there?

A quiet unease crept into her chest. She turned around. And before she could argue with herself any further, she walked toward that open door and stepped into the night.

She walked into the vineyard. The night air was cooler here, rows of vines stretching beneath the moonlight. But Elion was nowhere in sight. She stepped further inside.

"Where is he..." she whispered under her breath.

She moved deeper between the vines. And then, not far ahead, she saw him.

She quickly slipped behind a tree, hiding herself. From there, she watched him. He stood silently in front of someone’s grave.

Elion stared at the headstone, silently contemplating the name etched upon it. 

Sofien 

Beloved Wife Of Her Husband 

Seeing that name, Evandria's heart filled with quiet sadness. Sofien was her sister's name too. But she was also a little surprised. She hadn't known that Elion's first wife shared the same name as her sister.

What surprised her next was the rare display of emotion from Elion.

After a long while, he knelt and took off his gloves, then gently touched the stone, his eyes growing vacant in the moonlight's reflection. Tears began to form. His lips moved as he spoke something, his voice low.

Evandria couldn't hear anything he was saying.

What is he saying? I can't hear anything.

She strained forward, but the wind carried his words away. She bit her lip. Should I go closer? No... if I go any closer, I'll get caught. I'll just watch from here.

After a moment, Elion stopped speaking. He slowly stood up, put his gloves back on, and stared at the headstone for a few more seconds.

Then, without turning around, he said calmly, "I know you are there. Why don't you come out?" His voice cut through the silence.

Hearing that, Evandria's heart skipped. Her eyes widened.

Oh no... I've been caught.

Her breath stuck in her throat.

But... How does he know I'm here?