al day in the mansion

her hair tied into a neat bun, her hands trembling slightly from nerves. The early morning chill slipped through

in a place like this weren't just

n rhythmic unison, maids ran trays up and down stairs, and the scent of coffee m

center like a conductor

ng up. "Start with the floors. Then the windows. You'll lea

owed her fea

That M

inst the hard tile - she couldn't help but glance at the gold-framed por

es wander, new girl,"

ith sharp cheekbones and a sharper tongue -

ned. Or worse." Lillian tossed a clo

. There was no point

t her whispering to another maid. A quie

a week," on

rbidde

draped in deep red velvet, lined with heavy double doors. One door stood slightly open. Insi

ldn't, but someth

et step closer a

n was

his pocket, the other holding a glass of something dark. He stared

n't se

d to leave, the floor

he door. Icy blue, sharp

dy f

red. "I was just passing.

ment. Silent. Then, "Do

d a second longer than they should have. Like

before he co

in He

r. Adrian Calloway was cold, yes - but not cruel. There was something deeper