Chapter 1132

Hazel had been waiting for Frederick since noon. The hours crept by, and still, there was no sign of him. By the time the moon began its silent climb into the sky, a sense of unease had begun to take root in her chest—cold, insistent, and growing. She paced once. Twice. Then finally, unable to bear it any longer, she stepped out of the room and headed straight for the courtyard gate, her footsteps brisk with urgency. There, standing under the glow of a lantern, she caught sight of Riley. He, too, was looking out into the distance, his brow furrowed in silent worry. “Uncle Riley,” Hazel called, her voice steady despite the knot tightening in her gut. “Let’s go look for Frederick.” Before he could answer, she was already moving, taking the lead without hesitation. Alarmed, Riley quickly caught up and moved ahead to guide her—concerned she might lose her way or run into danger on her own. When they arrived at the grand hall where the banquet had taken place, an eerie silence greeted them.