Chapter 54

ARIA'S POV

The room fell silent once again as everyone's attention turned to the newcomer and his mysterious package.

Just then, the whispers began.

"Did you see that?"

"On his neck..."

"It's the Griffith family mark!"

I couldn't help but smile. The mark on the back of the man's neck was impossible to miss - a small, detailed wolf design that only members of the Griffith family or their most trusted servants bore.

Dante's eyes narrowed. "Aria, what's going on here? Who is he?"

I took a deep breath. "This, Dante, is the truth."

Without wasting a second, I reached for the cover on the frame. The fabric felt cool under my fingers as I pulled it away, unveiling the painting underneath.

Gasps echoed throughout the room. The painting was identical to the one Linda had presented - with the same rolling hills, the same proud wolf, and the same setting sun. But this one... this one was different.

It seemed to glow with an inner light, the brushstrokes so delicate they were almost alive.

Linda'