Chapter 35: Wanting to know the Secret
Dominic sat in his room, the air around him thick with the scent of sweat and tension. Beads of perspiration trickled down his temples, dampening his shirt and sticking uncomfortably to his back.
His breathing was shallow, and the stale air in the room only amplified his discomfort. He was drenched in sweat, his clothes clinging to him like a second skin, and the sticky sensation only irritated him further.
What he craved more than anything at that moment was a long, cool shower to wash away the grime, both physical and mental, that clung to him.
But he couldn’t yet bring himself to move.
He hadn’t even bothered to return to the outskirts to see Lady Fares. He knew, with absolute certainty, that she would be home—waiting, as always. But something gnawed at him. A strange reluctance. A dull sense of foreboding.
What he wanted now was a cool shower, yes—but even more than that, he needed clarity.
Dominic sat still for a long moment, gathering his thoughts. He needed to analyze the situation—everything that had happened in the past few days had left a trail of unease within him. He had overheard Coris mention something cryptic. Something dangerous. Something about planning it all for his death. The words echoed in his mind like a haunting riddle, teasing the edges of his thoughts.
What was all that about?
Why did she want him dead?
The question throbbed like a wound, unanswered and urgent.
One thing was certain now—painfully clear, like light slashing through the dark. This village was no longer safe for him. He could feel eyes on his back, shadows stretching around him like nooses.