The next day, Rosaline was discharged from the hospital. Though the doctors confirmed she was stable, the pain in her body made it impossible for her to return to school. Grandma Elira and a few family friends stormed the school authorities, demanding justice—but it all turned out to be a wasted effort.
The case was dismissed.
The truth? Money had already exchanged hands. The school board, corrupted and cold, refused to even acknowledge Rosaline's injuries. They claimed it was a "baseless accusation." To them, the bruises on Rosaline's skin were just another mark that meant nothing.
After the meeting, Grandma Elira and her companions thanked Ashley for saving Rosaline that night.
But Ashley... stood frozen.
She didn't deserve their thanks. She knew it deep down. Because even though she had pulled Rosaline out of danger, she was also part of the darkness that placed her there in the first place.
Meanwhile, back at the royal castle, a secretive meeting was underway. Consort Lita sat among the inner circle of nobles. Her expression was calm—too calm. That's when her personal maid, Linda, bent over and whispered something into her ear.
Prince Stefan noticed it immediately. His eyes narrowed.
He leaned over to his knight. "Kavin," he said. "Find out what that was about."
Kavin, obedient as always, approached Linda after the meeting. "His Royal Highness requests an explanation."
Linda hesitated. She was once a loyal servant of Empress Recaiah, but that loyalty had been sold like everything else in the castle. A small bag of gold had found its way into her hands, and with it, her silence—or rather, her confession.
"I was sent to dig up information on the girl Prince Stefan danced with," she whispered. "She lives in Techny. Her grandmother runs a small restaurant there."
Kavin's eyes sharpened.
Before she could say more, he warned her, "That gold means silence. Use it well."
Linda nodded and disappeared into the shadows to wait for Consort Lita in her chambers.
When Consort Lita arrived, Linda bowed low and lied through her teeth. "She died after that night, Your Grace."
The consort raised a brow. "Was it because she danced with the prince?"
"Yes, my Grace," the maid replied.
Lita's gaze darkened. "Find out why Prince Stefan danced with someone like her. He doesn't trust anyone. Not even Kaelion or me, and we live under the same roof."
Elsewhere, Kavin returned to the prince and recounted every word.
Prince Stefan smirked coldly. "So… she's already digging into my life. I never thought she'd move this fast."
Across town, Vincent had other plans. He took Rosaline and her friends out, insisting they enjoy the day. They visited the park, a small local eatery, and even walked by the bridge they often hung around.
But only Vincent knew the truth.
This was meant to be Rosaline's last day on Earth.
Rosaline, unaware of the fate planned for her, laughed freely. Her simple dress danced in the wind, her golden hair glowing under the sun. Vincent found himself lost in her—the innocence in her eyes, the warmth of her laugh.
Something stirred in him.
He watched her carefully, the way she tilted her head when she laughed, the joy that seemed to light up even the darkest places. A war raged inside his heart.
Was he really going to kill her?
Just to destroy Prince Stefan?
He leaned closer, voice low.
"With your beautiful eyes... blonde hair… Stefan really does have good taste," he murmured under his breath.
Then he asked the question he wasn't even sure he wanted the answer to.
"What would you do... if today was your last day on Earth?"
Rosaline froze.
The laughter faded from her lips.
She turned to look at him slowly, the corners of her smile trembling.
And then—
Her eyes met his, and something shifted.