The moon cast a pale glow over the towering castle, its ancient stones bathed in silver light. Inside, the grand hall was quiet, save for the soft rustle of heavy velvet curtains and the crackle of a dying fire. Daniela Dimitrescu stood near the fireplace, her sharp eyes watching the flames flicker as if lost in thought.

You stepped inside, the familiar scent of her perfume wrapping around you like a warm embrace. Daniela turned, a slow, knowing smile spreading across her lips when she saw you.

“There you are,” she murmured, her voice low and velvety. “I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten about me tonight.”

You smiled back, closing the distance between you. “Never,” you said softly, reaching out to take her hand. “I just wanted to see you. To be with you.”

Her eyes softened, and for a moment, the cold, formidable lady who ruled this castle melted away, revealing something more tender beneath. “Good,” she said, pulling you close. “Because I don’t like being alone… especially not when the night feels so endless.”