Chapter 238

Cecilia's pov After twenty minutes of tense silence and too much eye contact with Evelyn, the carriage finally slowed to a stop. I could've kissed the ground. I was the first one out, gathering my dress as I stepped down. Looking up, I froze. The gothic castle loomed ahead, its towers piercing the thick sky, backlit by warm yellow light that made the storm clouds above look even darker. It looked like the kind of place where billionaires host masquerades... or where old-world wolves hold court. We followed our guide through a massive arched entryway. A narrow suspension bridge stretched out before us, lanterns flickering to life one by one as we crossed. The bridge creaked faintly with every step, swaying just enough to remind us we weren't on solid ground anymore--in any sense. Once across, the double doors opened into a grand foyer that was both antiquated and opulent. Vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, marble so polished I could see my own nerves reflecting back at me. More gues