Sandy's POV
Weeks had crawled by since my arrival at this mansion. The silence stretched endlessly, broken only by the occasional creak of old wood settling or wind rattling the windows.
I had not laid eyes on Zayden since that unsettling dinner. His absence felt like a storm cloud hanging overhead, heavy with unspoken threats.
This morning found me perched on the edge of my bed, staring at the shadowed walls that had become my prison. The urge to breathe fresh air had grown into a physical ache.
When Edison's familiar knock echoed through the room, I practically leaped from the mattress.
"Please, can I visit the garden today?" The words tumbled out before he fully entered.
His expression remained neutral as always. "I will request permission from Lord Zayden."
The wait felt eternal. When Edison finally returned, his calm voice cut through my restless pacing.
"Master has granted permission. You may go to the garden."
