Chapter 219

• Fern's Perspective
• Late at night, I sat by the window, watching the city grow quieter and quieter. My heart was a whirl of emotions. There wasn't even a whisper of wind outside; the air was so still you could almost hear your own heartbeat. I felt tired, weighed down by worries about the future and endless thoughts of the union between Giovanni and Elena.
• Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the door. I froze for a moment, not expecting anyone. I set the book I'd been holding down and walked to the door, opening it gently. A shuffling figure stood on the other side, and my heart skipped a beat.