Page 77 of Johan.

I nod, hiding a smile as I push a piece of broccoli around my plate.

After lunch, I retreat to the library, sinking into one of the large, comfortable chairs. I immerse myself in my book about Ubar, the quiet of the room a welcome respite.

My phone buzzes, and I see it’s Ludovic calling.I just hope he isn’t calling because of his daughter’s situation.“Mr. Goschen, what a surprise. How are you doing?” I answer, keeping my voice low, leaning back in the chair and resting my feet on a nearby ottoman.

“Doing well, thanks,” he says hurriedly. “I know you’re busy this week, but I just wanted to let you know that the excavations at the site of Shisr have started today with a local team in place. They’re preparing the base camp for the team.”

“That’s great news,” I say, feeling a spark of excitement as I run a hand through my hair. “Thanks for the update.”

“You’re most welcome. You’ll enjoy your accommodation. The tents will have electricity and AC. They should be ready by when we arrive.”

After the call, I refocus on my reading, losing myself in the ancient mysteries of the desert until it’s time for dinner. The hours slip by, my mind briefly freed from the worries of the day.

We gather in the dining room, the atmosphere a bit more subdued than usual. I pull out my chair and sit down, glancing around at the familiar faces. Mum arrives after Dad and me, her face a mask of concern.

“I went to check on Astrid,” she says as she sits down, her movements slow and deliberate. “She was just lying down, not asleep but just relaxing. She tried to stand up but was too weak to walk due to the amount of time she vomited. I’m going to bring her some food upstairs and will be right back.”

“Thanks, Mum,” I say, trying to infuse my voice with genuine appreciation as I cut into my steak, the knife scraping softly against the plate.

Dad nods in agreement, his eyes following Mum as she leaves the room. I take another bite, chewing slowly, my mind elsewhere. As Mum heads upstairs with a tray of food, I sit quietly, counting the days until St. Moritz.

Two days down, five more to go.

The thought of being away from all this, in the serene beauty of the Swiss Alps, fills me with a sense of anticipation and relief.

Dinner passes in a blur of polite conversation and the clinking of cutlery. I excuse myself as soon as it’s decently possible and head back to the library, seeking the solace of my book once more. The ancient tales of Ubar and the mysteries of Shisr are a welcome distraction from the web of lies and manipulation I’ve woven around Astrid and myself.

My phone buzzes with a message from Hannah, and I smile as I read it:Thinking of you. Can’t wait for St. Moritz.

“Same here,” I text back. “Counting the days.”

28

Hannah

I stepoff the plane at Zurich Airport, the crisp winter air hitting my face as I make my way through the terminal. A chauffeur is waiting for me, holding a sign with my name on it. His presence is reassuring, a sign that everything is going according to plan. He greets me with a polite nod and takes my luggage, leading me to a sleek black car parked just outside.

As we begin the drive to St. Moritz, the initial landscape is a blur of highways and industrial areas, typical of any major city’s outskirts. The hum of the car and the steady rhythm of the passing scenery provide a moment of calm, but my mind is already racing ahead. My thoughts wander to Johan; it’s been too long since we've seen each other, and the anticipation is almost unbearable.

The landscape begins to change dramatically as we approach the Alps. The rolling fields give way to towering, snow-covered peaks that rise majestically against the clear blue sky. The mountains glisten in the sunlight, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. The car’s heater hums softly, keeping the chill atbay, but I can still feel the crispness of the air through the windows. Frozen lakes shimmer in the distance, and the entire scene looks like something out of a postcard.

The drive feels both endless and too short. When we finally arrive in St. Moritz, the car pulls up in front of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. It looks like something out of a fairy tale, its grand facade adorned with twinkling lights and surrounded by the pristine white of the snow. The ski slopes are right in front, where skiers glide gracefully down the trails. Stepping out, the air is crisp and cold, carrying the faint scent of pine and snow.

I text Johan to let him know I’ve arrived.

Go straight to room 505, he replies almost instantly.

I follow his instructions, stepping into the opulent lobby of the hotel. The warmth inside contrasts pleasantly with the cold outside, and I take a moment to absorb the grandeur around me. High ceilings, grand chandeliers, and rich wood accents create an atmosphere of elegance and comfort. The receptionist gives me a friendly smile as I walk towards the elevator, my heart pounding with anticipation.

Each floor we ascend seems to heighten my excitement and nerves. When I reach the fifth floor, I pause for a moment to collect myself before knocking gently on the door of room 505. The door opens almost immediately, and there stands Johan, his familiar blue eyes lighting up as he sees me. Without a word, he pulls me into a tight embrace, his lips finding mine in a kiss that makes my heart race.

“I missed you so much,” he murmurs against my lips as he leads me into the room, his voice filled with genuine emotion.

My eyes wander as I take in my surroundings. The suite is stunning, with large windows offering a panoramic view of the snowy mountains. A bottle of champagne sits in a bucket of ice on the coffee table, two flutes beside it. The decor is elegant yet cozy, with plush furnishings and a roaring fireplace adding tothe ambiance. The warmth from the fire and the scent of burning wood fill the room, making it feel like a haven.

I take off my coat and drape it over an armchair, Johan’s eyes darkening with desire.

“I missed you too,” I say softly, my voice trembling slightly. The reality of being here with him, after all the planning and waiting, is almost overwhelming.

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