The night before their departure, Ste kept a solitary vigil by Matthews bedside in the hospital.


    Out of the blue, her phone rang, shing an unfamiliar number.


    Intrigued, Ste answered.


    Silence hung on the line after she connected, sending a shiver down her spine as she suspected it might be Sanford.


    Sure enough, the silence was broken by a familiar voice, its low tones slicing through the quiet.


    Ste, I know Matthew hasnt woken up yet.


    I want to send my doctors over-maybe they can find a way to wake him up sooner.


    Predictably, Ste rebuffed his offer.


    She felt aplex brew of emotions toward Sanford, thinking they might have been friends if his lineage hadnt cast such a long shadow.


    Sensing her coolness, Sanford quickly apologized.


    Ste, Im really sorry. He didnt mention how he had tried to stop Den and make amends.


    After a pause, Stes voice was tinged with skepticism as she asked, Were you really a student that my father sponsored? Sanford sighed, his voice tinged with regret.


    That was just a ruse to get close to your father.


    I hid my true identity right from the start.


    But I wont deny, the time I spent with your family taught me much, and I felt the warmth of a real family.


    For that, Im deeply thankful to both your parents.


    Ste, having suspected as much, pressed him further.


    So, what was your real agenda? Was I always a target for Den? Sanfords response was resigned.


    The Lowell family is rumored to have a treasure map, which was supposedly in Koris possession.


    Thats what Den was after all along.


    Stes brow furrowed in confusion.


    Ive never heard of any treasure map. Sanfords tone was Laced with a hint of bitterness.


    It doesnt matter now.


    I owe you more than I can ever repay.


    From here on out, Im at your service, no strings attached.


    But after this conversation, I n to step back and not interfere in your life again.


    Listening to him, Stes emotions swirleda blend of relief and unresolved tension.


    Since our paths diverged at the castle, theres no debt between us.


    Its best we lead our separate lives.


    There was a prolonged silence before Sanford finally spoke, his voice heavy.


    Den is dead.


    He continued solemnly, In the chaos at the castle, Den was hurt. Later I found out he was battling advanced liver cancer.


    His desperation grew, pushing me to hasten our ns.


    In a final, reckless attempt, he altered everything.


    Ultimately, it was futile.


    Ste absorbed his words, her heart heavy with aplex tapestry of feelings.


    Ending the call, she inhaled deeply, feeling a tightness in her throat.


    Her mind drifted to her first encounter with Den-seemingly kind-hearted.


    How starkly different that image was from their Last, violent meeting.


    With a soft sigh, Ste acknowledged the cruel unpredictability of life.


    The next day, a ne soared into the sky from Dorburn Airport, heading toward Seamarsh.


    In a quiet, secluded corner of the airport, Sanford stood in silence, watching the ne climb higher and higher until it disappearedpletely from view.