#Chapter 74: Hearts Unburdened and Broken

Armand: The echoes of the past had lingered in my heart for far too long. Amy's betrayal had wounded me deeply, and the scars it left seemed permanent, but Seraphina’s presence had been a balm on the pain I felt. One evening after a long day, she and I found ourselves alone on the moonlit terrace outside my study, the distant stars overhead like watchful sentinels. Seraphina was quiet and her eyes held a gentle understanding as she watched me. "Armand," she began softly, "I can see the weight you carry, the burden of what Amy did to you. This new information must be stirring up those old emotions. I’m so sorry. " I sighed, my gaze fixed on the moon, its soft glow filling me with more warmth than the sun ever could. "It's not easy to forget, Seraphina. She was a part of my life for so long, and her betrayal... it shook me to my core. I realize the hold she had on me was from dark magic, but I think that makes it worse. My thoughts, feelings, were robbed and manipulated." Sera