Chapter 54

Orion stayed at Azalea's mansion, thinking it would give him a chance to try new ways of seducing her. But instead of the usual tension, he felt a surprising calm within the mansion's walls, as though he was in a real home—a thought he dreaded to admit. Even now, as he lay in bed after a long night's sleep, a sense of relaxation washed over him. He had gone to bed far too late, yet woke up feeling unusually fresh and well-rested.

"Something’s wrong," he thought to himself, shifting under the sheets. Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, drawing his attention. After a brief pause, the door creaked open.

"Orion? Are you awake?" Azalea’s voice filled the room. His chest tightened with nerves. Hearing her voice as the first sound in the morning felt strange, unsettling even. He quickly closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep.

She stepped into the room, her footsteps growing closer until she was at his bedside. Orion’s heart began to race uncontrollably, his