CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO - TRUST SHATTERED

Anna made her way back to her room, her thoughts in turmoil. She collapsed onto her bed, staring up at the ornate ceiling as she tried to make sense of everything. A soft knock at her door startled her out of her reverie. "Come in," she called, sitting up quickly. The door opened to reveal Erik, his tall frame filling the doorway. His piercing blue eyes met hers, and for a moment, Anna forgot how to breathe. "Anna," he said, his voice low and intense. "We need to talk." She nodded, her throat suddenly dry. "Of course. What about?" Erik stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He moved to the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens below. When he finally turned to face her, his expression was unreadable. "I've noticed some... tension in the house lately," he began. "I wanted to make sure you're adjusting alright." Anna swallowed hard, unsure of how much to reveal. "It's been... challenging," she admitted. "But I'm managing." Erik's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you?