Page 209 of Chandelier Enthralled
“Jewel is surrounded by too many people. There would be too many witnesses. This is not just your fight, Greyson. It’s mine, too.”
His expression softened. “You’re right. We need to find somewhere safe.”
We slipped out of the ballroom and followed a couple who were heading up a flight of stone steps, then we saw the elegant sign indicating that the stairway led to the guest rooms.
Despite everything, it was impossible not to admire the graceful curve of the stone balcony and the dramatic interior that seamlessly blended modern design with a deep reverence for history. The space felt timeless, adorned with rich tapestries that whispered of ancient battles, towering suits of armor gleaming in the candlelight, and intricately carved wooden beams that stretched across the high vaulted ceilings. Each detail, from the polished shields to the faded heraldic banners, honored the castle’s noble past while embracing the present in its bold, sophisticated elegance.
We searched until we found an empty room.
Once inside, he kissed me long and hard and with more passion that I had ever experienced—a way to forget and a way to remember, as we held onto each other.
At last, I had found him. We were together again, and he was safe.
He cupped my face with both hands. “I need to find the others.”
I shook my head. “No, we can guide them here.”
“I need to make sure nothing happens to them. They’ve risks their lives because of me.”
“Greyson, you can’t go back out there.”
He stepped away. “Stay in here. Don’t you dare leave. That’s a fucking order.”
The air grew cold as I watched him open the door. He turned to me and mouthed, “I’ll come back for you.”
And then he was gone.
A sob broke free from deep inside me. Didn’t he know me by now? I had come all this way for him, and there was no way I would let him slip through my fingers now.
I knew him, that was for sure, and there was no way he wasn’t going to finish what he had started.
I had never been one for following orders—ever.
I left the room and hurried through the corridor and down the stone steps, walking swiftly in the direction of where I had last seen Jewel.
Carefully, I eased back the thick material of the tapestry and peered into the dimness. Ahead, was a winding stone stairway.
With my heart in my throat, I continued down the stone steps, grateful for the flickering fake torches lighting the way, hoping to catch up with Greyson if he had come this way.
At the bottom of the twisting staircase, the floor became uneven, my high heels making me unsteady on my feet.
Listening in the dim light, I heard the occasional echo of other footsteps, followed by an oppressive silence.
Faint voices pierced the stillness.
Peeking around the corner, I saw the tunnel widen into a cavernous chamber, its center dominated by a stone altar.
Pressing myself against the wall, I watched Greyson proceed through a doorway, which closed behind him. I hurried that way, amazed to see the word “Crypt” on the door. My pulse quickened as the air around me grew heavy.
I opened the door. I needed to get to him before he moved in on Jewel.
Stop him from doing anything impulsive.
The light vanished entirely, leaving me no choice but to reach out and feel the wall as I carefully made my way along, terrified of missing a step.
There was nothing in the chamber to hint of buried bodies, only an oppressive chill.
I heard music, growing louder as I proceeded, along with the distinct sounds of chatter. A glint of light illuminated large ancient stones.
