Chapter 38

In the storm’s aftermath, David undresses and warms the drenched Cristina, and their quiet closeness leads to intimacy. Cristina reveals that Isabella visited and admitted hiding Cristina’s letters, believing it was for David’s good. The confession eases their distrust, and they tentatively reclaim their bond.

At dawn, David finds Cristina awake by the fire. She calls the house cursed and urges them to burn it, then presses to leave Barcelona entirely. They speak of living together, and David tries to downplay the house’s darkness while Cristina insists on escape to a place where no one knows them.

Tension flares when David mentions Pedro. Cristina, hurt, reveals Pedro has left her after acknowledging she married him from gratitude, not love. Pedro refuses to live on her pity. The admission destroys Cristina’s composure, and she collapses into grief and self-reproach.

As Cristina strikes herself, David restrains and comforts her until she is spent. He promises they will go far away together, repeating her wish for anonymity and peace. Yet as the rain lashes the windows and Cristina’s face empties of expression, David realizes they are already sinking into a bleak, inescapable undertow.