the mansion was c

ter what happened at dinner. He just sat there-stoic and silent like the cold emb

irst, not waiting or offering his hand like he had earlier. I followed, h

l no

g legs cutting across the hall toward the grand staircase.

ke that, he

ght. No ex

chandelier above the corridor sparkled softly as I walked down the hallwa

m, the silence greeted

ner. Now, in the soft lighting, everything looked still and distant. I sat before the vanity m

by one, brushing aside my curls. My fingers worked slowl

when I h

reak of my b

nctively turning

ns and fresh bedsheets. Her movements were careful, precise, almost too quie

ssing room just as she ne

other lightly but eno

startled. "I'm so

topped

owed slightly

ad nervously. "I-I'm so sorry, Ma'am

firmly reaching out and hold

face. "No one, Ma'am. I-It w

w. "Oh, it's alrigh

he sheets tighter. "Forgive me, Ma

ithout saying another word or meeting my eyes. Her movements we

e door. "Would you be wanting to

. "I just returned from d

trange on my ton

ad to sou

"Of course, Ma'am. I'm sor

for the door

d softly. "Wha

ed. Her eyes darte

not sup

, stepping closer.

e a shy, uncertain smile. "Lucy

want you to assist me here. Show me around

usband, of course

in surprise, then softened.

en working

h a slight nod. "I'm

eal

bers in this house," she added, a

" I echoed, a

s, M

had no idea this hou

off in her demeanor like she was holding back, hid

kindness. Her warmth was a

k you,

ood night, Ma'am," she said,

faint sound echoing in my ears. Somethin

f the tongue

a mistake. I f

nger's name

pulled back the sheets, not even minding that I was still dressed in my dinner gown. Sliding

idn't co

ts were loud. Loud enough to blur

exhaustion pu

ce didn'

flashes of movement, echoes of voices,

the h

. Lif

hen I

dragging something heavy

eath c

mo

limp and

Her face pale and still ben

am, trying to run toward her

ag shut. The sound of the

ama! P

the morgue doors, disappearin

Ma

ing, drenched in sweat, my hea

oom wa

ere tangled a

just a

e fear

can't