Chapter 99: The Ruse

The heavy oak doors of the Castillo groaned open, shattering the stillness of the late night. Lorenzo stumbled in. In his arms, he cradled an unconscious Delilah, her unbound hair cascading down her back like a dark curtain. The sounds of his arrival stirred a few household members from their slumber, but most of the Castillo remained shrouded in sleep. Conrad and Alvarez were locked in a tense chess battle, their brows furrowed in concentration. Between them, a chessboard sat precariously on a low table, its captured pieces scattered like fallen soldiers. Tiago, ever the outsider, occupied a plush armchair on the periphery, a glass of amber liquid swirling in his hand. Conrad's gaze flickered upwards first, the sight of Lorenzo and his burden instantly shattering the chess game's focus. "Lorenzo," he exclaimed, rising from his seat with a mixture of surprise and concern etched on his face. "Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence," he drawled, his voice