Chapter 96

The tray clattered softly as Claude set it down in front of me. His movements were as measured and cautious as always, his face a blank mask. But as he turned to leave, something unexpected caught my eye. A small slip of paper, folded and barely visible, was tucked beneath the edge of the plate. My heart skipped a beat. I waited until I was sure he had left the room, the door clicking shut behind him, before I reached for the note. My hands trembled slightly as I unfolded it. The handwriting was rough, hurried. “Midnight. Power cut. Trust no one.” I exhaled sharply, the weight of the message sinking in. Claude had taken the first step. He wasn’t fully on my side yet, but this was more than I’d dared hope for. The hours until midnight stretched out before me, but I forced myself to remain calm. I had to save my strength. Ava still hadn’t stirred, and the weakness from the wolfbane lingered, but I could feel a sliver of my power returning. When the lights in my room suddenly flickered an