It was late at night.
Kai's thoughts were racing.
Eliza closed the door of the study and turned the iron lock until it clicked.
Kai looked up from the desk where he was inspecting his dagger.
He watched her walk slowly across the room.
She wore a simple white nightgown, and her green eyes held a very serious expression.
"Are you having trouble sleeping?" Kai asked.
"Where is Vienna?" Eliza asked instead of answering, looking briefly toward the hallway.
"She is fast asleep in the guest bedroom," Kai replied.
"She fought hard today, and she needs the rest. Is something wrong?"
"I need your help with something very important," Eliza said.
She stopped right in front of the warm fireplace.
"I didn't tell you the entire truth about why I stayed locked in that basement for three weeks."
Kai leaned back in his chair and put his dagger down on the desk.
'She is finally dropping her guard,' he thought to himself.
'Let's hear the real lore.'
