The aftermath of Augustus's confrontation with Seraphina hung heavy in the air, thicker than the morning mist clinging to the vineyards. Seraphina, stripped of her power and facing the icy disapproval of her father-in-law and, more painfully, the open contempt of Genevieve, had retreated into a bitter silence. The house, usually abuzz with the quiet hum of carefully managed routines, felt hollow and echoing.