Charlotte's POV
"Madeline!" I exclaimed the moment I spotted her sitting at the long table in the dining hall of the manor.
She looked up, her face lighting up with a smile as she stood and opened her arms.
"Good morning, Charlotte!" she chirped, wrapping me in a warm hug.
I held her tightly for a second longer, still surprised. "I didn't know you were coming," I said, stepping back to look at her more closely. "You're here... in Barcelonia?"
She nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Surprise."
I pulled out the chair beside her and sat down, unable to keep the concern out of my voice. "Why are you here? I mean—why did you come alone? And without telling anyone?"
She shrugged a little, her smile softening. "I wanted to see you. You weren't at the Divenson mansion, and it's been days since we last talked. Hunter brought me to Archois, but he's been busy with business meetings and... honestly, I've been bored out of my mind."
