Eilika remained on the balcony, the evening air doing little to soothe the sting of Rosaline's parting shots. She kept her expression stoic, but the reminder of her father's disdain and the scar she carried felt like a weight in her chest.
"I heard your sister was here," Damian's voice broke the silence.
Eilika stood quickly, offering a small bow. "Yes. Rosaline stopped by."
"Who allowed her in?" Damian asked, his frown deepening. "I gave orders that she was not to return."
"Mother saw her at the gates," she explained softly. "She isn't aware of my sister's true nature, and I would prefer it if we didn't enlighten her."
"Why?"
"Because she will realize exactly what kind of family I come from," Eilika replied, her voice trailing off. She looked away, trying to shift the focus. "Did you see Roman? I sent him to his room to rest."
