Chapter 241: Missing Jean.
"Salviana?"
Alaric’s voice was sharp with concern as he rushed into the room. He had been in his office downstairs, but the erratic rhythm of her heartbeat had summoned him instantly.
He reached her side in moments, taking her trembling form into his arms. "What’s wrong, my fiery one?" he asked, his voice soft but firm, his hand stroking her hair as she clung to him.
"I... I saw them," she whispered, her voice shaky.
"Who?" Alaric asked, his tone darkening.
"Jolene and Christiana," she said, her breathing uneven. "In my dream... they were laughing at me. Watching me die... like they wanted it to happen."
Alaric stiffened, his arms tightening around her protectively. "It was just a nightmare," he assured her, though his jaw clenched at the thought of his cousins’ possible involvement.
"No, Alaric," she said, her voice firmer now. "I saw them that day in the garden. I didn’t think anything of it—they were just talking, laughing. I thought they were simply passing by."
Alaric’s expression hardened, a storm brewing in his dark eyes. "You think they were there to watch you drink it?"
Salviana nodded slowly, her hands gripping his shirt as though anchoring herself to him. "It feels too coincidental now."
Alaric kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. "You’re safe with me. I won’t let anyone hurt you again," he promised, his voice laced with both tenderness and fury.