

Time: Evening
Location: Vikena Estate â Outside
Attire: Dress, Amulet
Interaction: @JJ Doe Fritz @Potter Olivia
The soft rustle of Charlotteâs dress was the only sound accompanying her as she ascended the staircase of the dimly lit Vikena estate. She clenched her hands briefly at her sides, the ghost of her conversation with Fritz lingering. Her eyes flicked toward the flickering candle sconces along the walls as though seeking answers in their wavering light.
She was nearing her bedroom door when a familiar voice broke through the quiet.
âLottie dear!â
The familiar feeling of a tender hand on her shoulder made her pause midstep.
"I forgot to give this to you earlier. I bet you itâs a love letter."
A small smile teased the corners of Charlotteâs lips, though it was faint and fleeting. "A love letter?" She repeated the words with a faint note of humor, her brow arching as she accepted the envelope.
"Well you never knowâŚ" With a kiss on her cheek and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder, Delilah retreated down the hallway, her humming fading into the distance. Alone once more, Charlotte glanced down at the envelope in her hands. Without further delay, she broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
Dear Lady Charlotte Vikena,
I trust this letter finds you in the best of spirits. It would be a delight to finally have the pleasure of meeting you in person for the very first time at the upcoming Sorian Art Gala. In the midst of such elegance, might I suggest a private meeting at 11:00 a.m.? I would love the opportunity to introduce myself and discuss a cause rather special to Prince Callum Danroseâone that involves your esteemed participation in a charity event that I believe would greatly benefit from your grace and influence. It would be an honor to share more with you in the enchanting atmosphere of the gala, and I eagerly await the chance to finally make your acquaintance.
With my warmest regards,
Alexander Deacon Vice President,
Black Rose Trading Company
Charlotte's breath hitched the moment her eyes landed on the signature, Alexander Deacon, Vice President, Black Rose Trading Company. The name seemed to pulse on the page before her. Her heart sank, and her fingers tightened around the letter, leaving slight creases in the parchment.
Her thoughts raced as she hurried back downstairs. The room was quiet now, still bearing some remnants of the earlier gathering. Charlotte crossed over to the board, the letter still clutched in her hand. Her gaze darted to the board as she approached it, her eyes scanning it rapidly as if seeking validation for what her gut already knew.
There it was scrawled on the board. Alexander Deacon.
"A love letter, indeed," she murmured dryly, her voice trembling with a fragile facade of humor that quickly faltered.
Her eyes remained on the name, a shaky sigh leaving her lips. A ripple of fear went through her as she considered the implications. There was no way this was a coincidence. No way this was benign.
A lure into the lionâs den.
She supposed this sort of matter was one she should share with the others, especially if anything happened to her if she were to go.
"⌠Fritz⌠Olivia!â Her voice carried through the quiet estate as she called out their names, but no response came. Her feet carried her toward the guest rooms, climbing the staircase with determination. Halfway up, she paused abruptly, her eyes catching sight of something through one of the grand windows.
A thick column of smoke rose into the night sky, billowing ominously from the direction of the warehouses. Charlotteâs stomach twisted, and a chill ran down her spine.
"Please donât be over there," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. The words repeated in her mind like a desperate mantra.
Please donât be over there. Please donât be over there.
Her body moved before her mind could fully process the decision. Clutching the letter tightly, she quickly turned and bolted toward the front door, only taking a moment to grab her cape. The cool night air greeted her as she stepped outside, but her focus remained solely on the distant smoke.