“Excuse me,” I muttered to the Beta, Hale Roberts, who had been standing nearby.

“Is everything alright, Luna?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

I nodded quickly, unwilling to show weakness. “I just need some air.”

Without waiting for an answer, I slipped out of the hall and headed towards the grand staircase.

My footsteps resonated in the silence as I ascended, leaving the joyous commotion behind. The more I proceeded, the darker and quieter it became, with the luxurious corridors now cloaked in shade.

“Jack? Where are you?” I called, my voice trembling slightly.

The silence that followed just added to the discomfort in my chest. My fingers brushed against the wall as I moved, the low light from the sconces forming flickering shadows.

I turned a corner and saw it: a little ajar door with gentle light flowing into the corridor. My pulse accelerated.

I paused, my senses telling me to turn back. But then I heard his voice: low and familiar.

“I don’t love her, Fayre. You are the one that I love.”

The words hit me like a physical blow, the air rushing from my lungs.

I stepped closer, unable to stop myself. My trembling hand pushed the door open a fraction more, allowing me to see inside.