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72: A Crown Forged in Fire
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2025-02-28 11:02:45Ryuu's POV
As I stepped into Loretta’s room, my footsteps felt unnervingly loud in the silence. The soft glow from the lamps cast shifting shadows across the walls lined with old photographs. My gaze landed on Beatrice, curled up beside her aunt, fast asleep. She was still fully dressed, as if exhaustion had pulled her under before she could make it back to our room.
"She fell asleep not long ago. I didn’t have the heart to wake her," Loretta said quietly, watching me closely. "I assume you’re here to take her back. Come in."
I hesitated before moving further inside. I wasn’t the type to step into other people’s spaces uninvited, just as I never let anyone into mine. The discomfort settled deep in my chest, but with Loretta, it was more than that. She watched me too carefully, waiting for something—wai
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