Chapter 1: The Sound of the Key
The sound of the brass key striking the marble floor did not echo loudlyâbut in Arthur Vanceâs mind, it rang like a gunshot.
No one in the hallway moved.
Not the guests lingering near the ballroom doors, pretending not to watch. Not the musicians, whose distant melody suddenly felt inappropriate, almost grotesque. Not even Julian, whose small hand remained pressed to the glass, his breath fogging the surface in uneven bursts.
Arthur lowered his gaze.
The key.
So small. So ordinary.
Yet it carried a truth heavier than anything in that mansion.
He bent down slowlyânot rushed, not hesitantâand picked it up between his fingers. The metal was still warm.
Victoriaâs warmth.
Arthurâs jaw tightened, but his face remained composed. When he looked up again, his eyes had changed. Not louder. Not angrier.
Colder.
âOpen the door,â Clara said quietly, her voice steady but edged with urgency.
Arthur didnât respond. He walked to the study door, inserted the key, and turned it.
A soft click.
Julian didnât wait.
The moment the door opened, he stumbled forward, his small body colliding into Arthurâs legs. He clutched at himânot dramatically, not loudlyâjust holding on like something fragile trying not to break.
Arthur hesitated for half a second.
Then he placed a hand on the boyâs back.
Gentle.
âIâm here,â Arthur said under his breath.
Julian nodded against him, unable to speak.
Behind them, Victoria let out a breath she didnât realize she had been holding.
May you like
But no one looked at her.
Not anymore.
