Chapter 76. Time to End It All

VESTA

We had arrived at the capital city of Rome.

As the massive gates creaked open before us, a surge of excitement coursed through me. I whispered to myself, “This is where it all ends.”

The grandeur of the city unfolded as we entered, the bustling streets lined with merchants, nobles, and common folk all going about their lives, blissfully unaware of what was to come. Waiting for us just beyond the gates were royal carriages, gilded and imposing. We boarded without delay, bound straight for the palace.

The ride was quiet. I maintained a stoic demeanor, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery. Julian, seated beside me, looked uneasy. His attempts to catch my eye were met with cold indifference. Let him stew—I had no energy to spare for his discomfort. I was mentally fortifying myself for the first phase of my plan, and I couldn’t afford distractions.

“That’s my girl,” purred the voice in my head. She’d been eavesdropping on my thoughts again. Rude.