58

The darkness enveloped the room, casting shadows that danced along the walls.

Czar sat before his study table, his figure bathed in the flickering glow of candlelight. His eyes were fixed on the pages of a book, but his mind wandered far from its words.

It's been a very long time since morning, yet Masha was yet to come to the room. He knew she was scared and not ready, but he did not expect her to shy away that much.

He tried to concentrate on the book in his hands, but the more he tried, the more the thoughts of her kept messing with his head. It was all his fault. He knew he was making a mistake when he started showing concern.

A long time passed, and suddenly he heard approaching footsteps.

Strangely, he could recognise the sound of her footsteps like a whisper in the depths of his consciousness.

When the door opened and she got revealed, he was almost sure that time had halted. She was adorned in a long black dress, its flowing fabric clinging to her every contour. He recognised