26. (DANE POV)

(DANE POV)

As we arrived, Magness awaited us, his youthful appearance and demeanor strikingly different from Jo's expectations. "Wow, I thought he would be... older. Well, turned older? I don't know. I didn't picture him so young," Jo remarked.

"Yeah, he was turned when he was barely 15," I replied, watching Magness closely. He was laying it on thick, his actions meticulously crafted to appear welcoming and kind. The smile plastered on his face, and his arm wrapped around Katerine as they waited for us at the courtyard gate was so fake it should have glowed.

With his overly smooth, clearly rehearsed charm, Magness made every effort to enchant Jo with his graciousness. "Ah, my dearest Jo, my first princess, welcome to my home. Your sleeping chamber has been arranged with the utmost care, just for you. And do anticipate a dining experience tailored to delight your senses," Magness cooed, his tone saturated with an excessive sweetness that seemed to drip from each word like honey.

Sick,