Chapter 10 - The Last Bedtime StoryThe mansion was finally at peace. The shadows of betrayal had been cleared away, leaving only the quiet hum of a restored empire and the gentle whisper of night falling over the city.
Dominic walked down the second-floor hallway, pausing outside the open door of the guest suite where Sophia and Lily stayed.
Inside, little Lily was sitting up in bed, her one-eared rabbit propped against her pillow. Her mother was smoothing down her dark curls.
Seeing Dominic in the doorway, Lily’s face lit up with absolute delight.
"Mr. Moretti!" she called out, waving her small hand. "Did Leo the lion have a good day today?"
Dominic stepped into the room, kneeling beside her bed just like he had weeks ago. The haunting emptiness in his chest was gone, replaced by the quiet, enduring warmth of a heart that had finally healed.
"He had a wonderful day, Lily," Dominic said, a genuine, gentle smile touching his lips. "He caught an antelope, he chased away the jackals, and he realized he didn't need to be afraid of the dark anymore."
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Lily nodded sagely, entirely satisfied with the update. She yawned, her eyelids growing heavy. "See? I told you. Sad people just need better stories."
Dominic reached out, gently pulling the blanket up over her small shoulders. "Yes, little bird," he whispered into the quiet room. "You did."
