Chapter 77
The estate was quiet, bathed in the faint glow of the moonlight as Celestina lay in bed, her thoughts restless. Every word, every subtle look Kael and Liora had exchanged during dinner churned in her mind, leaving her uneasy.
Suddenly, the faint murmur of a voice broke the silence.
Celestina sat up, straining her ears. It was Kael, speaking on the phone in the study next door. Quietly, she slipped out of bed and padded toward the door, opening it just enough to hear his words.
“…we need to accelerate the plan,” Kael was saying, his tone low but firm. “I’m not risking any delays. Liora’s role needs to be secured. Without her, this falls apart.”
Her heart pounded. What plan? she thought, gripping the doorframe.
“I don’t care what it takes,” Kael continued, his voice sharp now. “Make sure everything is ready.”
The call ended abruptly, and Celestina hurried back to her bed, her mind racing. Liora’s role? A plan falling apart? She clenched her fists beneath the covers. Kael was hiding more than she had ever imagined, and she needed to uncover it before it was too late.
The next morning, Celestina found Liora in the library, lounging on a chaise with a book in her hands. Her expression was serene, but Celestina knew better.
“Liora,” she said firmly, stepping into the room.
Liora glanced up, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Celestina. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“We need to talk,” Celestina said, crossing her arms.
Liora closed her book and set it aside, motioning for Celestina to sit. “By all means. What’s on your mind?”
Celestina ignored the offer, her eyes narrowing. “What’s your real role here? And what exactly are you helping Kael with?”
Liora leaned back, her smile widening. “You’ve become quite the investigator, haven’t you?”
“Don’t play games with me, Liora,” Celestina snapped. “I know there’s more going on here than you’re letting on. I heard Kael last night—he mentioned you and some kind of plan. What are you two up to?”
Liora’s smile faltered for a moment before she leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Let’s just say there’s a lot you don’t know about your husband, Celestina. And perhaps it’s better that way.”
“What does that mean?” Celestina demanded.
Liora shrugged, her tone light but her words heavy with meaning. “Kael isn’t the only one keeping secrets. Did you know Dimitri is still alive?”
Celestina’s breath caught, her eyes widening. “What did you just say?”
“Oh, come now,” Liora said with a mocking laugh. “Surely you’ve suspected it. After all, his name keeps popping up, doesn’t it?”
Celestina stepped closer, her voice trembling. “If you know something, tell me. Where is he? What does Kael have to do with this?”
Liora stood, her smile sharp once more. “All I’ll say is this: Dimitri is at the center of everything. And Kael’s plans? They won’t end well for anyone.”
Before Celestina could press further, Liora brushed past her and left the room, leaving Celestina more shaken than ever.
That evening, Kael’s behavior grew more unsettling.
“Where were you earlier?” he asked casually as they sat together in the sitting room.
“I was in the library,” Celestina replied, keeping her tone light.
“With Liora?” Kael pressed, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” she said simply.
Kael leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “What did you two talk about?”
Celestina forced a small smile. “Nothing of importance. Just books.”
He studied her for a moment before nodding. “I’m glad you’re finding ways to keep yourself occupied.”
The words sounded harmless, but Celestina felt the weight of his scrutiny. He was watching her more closely now, subtly questioning her every move. She felt like a bird in a gilded cage, her freedom slipping further away.
Later that night, while Kael and Liora were elsewhere, Celestina slipped into Kael’s study once again. She had to know the truth.
As she rummaged through the drawers, her fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. She pulled it out slowly, her breath catching as she realized what it was—a revolver.
It was small but elegantly crafted, and on the handle were engraved initials: D. M.
Celestina’s heart stopped. Dimitri.
She stared at the weapon, her mind racing. Why did Kael have a gun with Dimitri’s initials? Had it belonged to Dimitri, or was it meant for him?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hallway. She quickly returned the revolver to its place and shut the drawer, slipping out of the study before anyone saw her.
That night, as she sat in her room trying to piece everything together, her phone buzzed with a text message.
She picked it up, her hands trembling as she read the message:
“He’s not who you think he is. Meet me at midnight.”
