na

bout to happen. It was Kain who spoke, his v

ination in the living roo

oom of the Mayer estate. The household staff scattered to the edges like a flock of nervous birds, watching with wi

that marked the family's seats of power. I, however, remained standing in

into a side parlor and returned carrying a single, high-backed armchair carved from dar

g position in the room, directly oppos

o it. "Your Hig

n. I settled back, the posture of a queen upon her throne.

Lady Rowena's lips were pressed

dressed Bowen, his tone professional but firm. "Please have the patie

itlynn to a long sofa upholstered in pale silk. She collapsed onto

of metal instruments being laid out on a c

chin on my hand. With the fingers of my other hand, I

Tap

eemed to echo in the vast spa

racked her body. Her breath hitched, and she

d..." she whimpered, her

. He looked at her with growing disgust, merely patting he

uation, rose and approached the doctor. "Doctor Foster, Caitlynn i

instruments. "Lady Mayer, my only duty i

ffectively than a shout ever could.

Ms. Strong, please relax. I need yo

o a ball, trying to make herself smaller, trying to shield her body

e die in Bowen's eyes, replac

ver. The doctor hadn't even touched her, but her own

ir, a silent shadow. His

d, his voice taking on a sterner edge. "Ms. Strong,