Chapter 14. The Gift

Morning light spilled softly across the room when the door opened.

Gabriella entered first, balancing a breakfast tray that smelled of coffee and warm croissants. Rosa followed, carrying a brown-paper package tied neatly with twine. Without a word, she set it down on the coffee table.

“Breakfast,” Gabriella said quietly. “And—something Signore sent.”

Margherita looked up from the window seat, brow lifting. “What is it?”

Rosa’s expression didn’t change. “He didn’t say. Enjoy your meal.”

They left together, and the lock clicked behind them.

Margherita waited until their footsteps faded down the hall before approaching the table. The package was plain but heavy. A single ivory card was tucked beneath the twine.

A library for your cage.—E.

She snorted softly, shaking her head. “Cocky bastard.”

Carefully, she unwrapped the paper. Inside was a stack of books—five of them, their spines aged and familiar:

The Picture of D