Liv stopped breathing.
The hall, the lantern light, the warmth of Annie's arms, all of it faded into a distant blur.
Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"What…?"
Mira nodded, tears finally falling.
"The fire spread quickly soldiers are trying to contain it but… most of the structure is already engulfed."
Liv's legs weakened, and Annie had to hold her upright.
Her mind raced faces flashing like shattered glass.
Her mother. Leon. Briella. The servants. Her memories. Everything.
"No…" Liv shook her head violently, tears filling her lashes. "No. that can't be—"
Annie hugged her tighter.
"Duchess… we prayed it was a false report, but every message from the communication officers says the same thing. The flames are enormous. Albrecht Castle is burning."
Something inside Liv cracked silent and painful.
Her hand trembled as it rose to her lips, gripping her own shock as if holding herself together by force.
A single tear escaped.
Then another.
