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As Sehren resumed her duties, her thoughts wandered once more to Sebil. It had been over a week since Sebil's abrupt disappearance, and despite her quiet inquiries, no answers were forthcoming. A strange tension, veiled and guarded, hung in the air whenever Sebil’s name was mentioned. The palace guards offered only vague, evasive responses; the other servants merely shook their heads in silence, and even Mistress Brenna—so often privy to the undercurrents of palace life—appeared reluctant to speak of it. Aleron, too, had no news, leaving Sehren to wrestle alone with the gnawing uncertainty.
Two months before the banquet, a minor noble from the countryside presented himself at the palace gates, bearing his introduction cards and demanding an audience with the king. When His Majesty, stricken by illness, did not appear, the king's sister received him instead, housing the visitors within her own quarters.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlOeooQTdX
Sehren observed these new guests from afar as they traversed the courtyard.
The nobleman—Lord Halvor, if the servants’ gossip was to be believed—was a corpulent and disagreeable figure, his visage one that repelled a second glance. His eyes, oily and unrelenting, lingered on every servant that crossed his path, a gaze too intent and discomforting to be mistaken for mere indifference. Behind him trailed a woman of slight stature, draped in an ostentatious gown of pink and cream, the excessive fabric overwhelming her frame. Sehren suppressed a shudder at the sight. The princess, standing at the entrance to greet them, was not as successful in concealing her disgust. A flicker of irritation passed over her delicate features when Lord Halvor, after bowing deeply, dared to kiss her hand. He then offered his arm, an invitation that Princess Giselle accepted with the faintest of reluctance.
As they passed within, their voices rose in coarse complaint, recounting the perils of their journey from the countryside to the capital. Princess Giselle's patience wore thin, a fact visible even to those watching from the shadows. Sehren had at last seen the princess closely. Giselle’s beauty exceeded even the generous whispers of the court, but behind her poised exterior, there was a sadness, a weariness far too grave for one so young. Sehren later learned that Giselle had barely turned fifteen.
The princess’s thinly veiled irritation struck Sehren as out of character, for Giselle was often praised for her poise and composure. Yet perhaps, Sehren mused, the strain of her brother’s affliction had worn the princess’s patience to its end. How could she, so burdened with care for the ailing king, muster the strength to entertain these odious visitors?
As the courtyard slowly emptied and the figures of Lord Halvor and his daughter vanished into the corridors of the princess's palace, Sehren felt a knot of unease form in her stomach. She prayed she wouldn’t be assigned to attend them, but the whispers among the staff foretold it was inevitable.
The servants’ gossip confirmed what Sehren had already suspected—these guests were as unwelcome as they were unpleasant. Lord Halvor and his daughter were notorious for their cruel whims, and the servants knew all too well how they cycled through attendants, tormenting each until they found one they delighted in torturing most.
“Did you hear?” one maid whispered with indignation. “The nobleman’s daughter is a spoiled thing, always complaining about the food.”
“She threw a vase at Miriam for entering her chambers after she rang the bell,” another added, lowering her voice conspiratorially.
“Then why’d she ring for someone?” came the perplexed reply.
“Expected a lady-in-waiting, she did,” a third voice chimed in. “Our princess had to tell her that wasn’t going to happen.”
“I’ve heard she has designs on His Majesty,” one servant murmured. “But thank goodness the king’s too ill to entertain such folly. Long live the king, indeed!”
“And her father? Worse than the daughter, if you ask me,” muttered another. “Always got his hands where they oughtn’t be.”
“I’m half a mind to strangle the wretched toad myself,” said a voice, only half-joking.
“Shush! They’re connected to Madam Rose,” hissed a senior servant, her tone commanding instant silence.
At the mention of Madam Rose, the palace tutor, Sehren felt a chill run through her. She recalled Sebil once speaking of the enigmatic figure, though she had paid little mind to the connection then. There was no time to dwell on such cryptic remarks now. Her own duties, overseen by Mistress Brenna’s unrelenting scrutiny, soon consumed her attention.
Yet fate seemed determined to thrust Sehren into the orbit of the new guests. Later in the week, the tranquility of the kitchen in the early hours of the morning was shattered by the abrupt arrival of one of the palace’s senior servants, breathless and panicked.
“Mistress Brenna, we need a replacement for Lady Vira at once,” she gasped. “Miriam’s been hurt—she’s bleeding! The lady threw something at her again.”
Sehren’s heart sank. Miriam had come to the kitchen to pick up some pastries for Lady Vira the previous night, and they had exchanged pleasantries over the difficulty of managing such temperamental visitors. Now, Miriam was being taken to the palace healer, and Sehren’s pulse quickened as she heard Mistress Brenna call her name.
“You’ll take Miriam’s place until she recovers,” Mistress Brenna said with finality. “Go at once.”
With a lump in her throat and dread coiling within her, Sehren hurried toward Lady Vira’s chambers, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctGaY3xWRZ
The room was as oppressive as its occupant. Lady Vira lounged languidly on a divan, her expression one of unrelenting boredom and thinly veiled disdain. At her feet lay the shattered remnants of a vase, the shards glittering like cruel jewels against the floor. Without bothering to glance at Sehren, Vira’s voice rang out, dripping with irritation.
“Clean that up. It’s a disgrace.”
Sehren bent swiftly to her task, her hands trembling as she gathered the sharp fragments. She could feel the weight of Lady Vira’s gaze, cold and calculating, upon her.
“You’re the new girl, aren’t you?” Vira’s tone was as sharp as the shards Sehren was collecting. “Tell me, do you find this place as dull as I do?”
Sehren said nothing, though her pulse quickened.
And then, in the same indifferent tone, Vira added, “I heard about your little friend—what was her name again? I wonder whatever became of her. Vanishing like that... so strange, wouldn’t you agree?”
The words struck Sehren like a blow, and she froze. Was Vira speaking of Sebil? There was something in her tone—a subtle, sinister knowingness—that made Sehren’s blood run cold. Before she could respond, Vira waved a dismissive hand.
“I expect supper soon. Don’t dawdle.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV47YcxmSiO
With a heavy heart, Sehren hurried from the room. Lady Vira knew something about Sebil—of that she was certain. But how much did she know? And how could Sehren discover the truth without arousing suspicion?
Every day Sehren was sent to wait on them and every day she observed Lord Halvor and Lady Vira make a spectacle of themselves, wandering the palace halls in their outlandish attire. Lord Halvor's deep crimson velvet cloak, trimmed with gold, swept the ground as he strutted down the corridor, his broad chest puffed out. Lady Vira, walking beside him, wore an enormous pink and cream dress that ballooned around her, making her look, in Sehren’s eyes, even more grotesque. Sehren had to force herself to keep her expression neutral.
“Ah, there you are, girl, finally,” Lady Vira’s voice was as sharp as her pointed nose. “I need you to come assist me with my hair this evening. I hope to meet the king today.” Her eyes flicked over Sehren dismissively, not waiting for a reply.
Sehren bowed her head. “Of course, my lady.”
“Ah, young Sehren, isn’t it?” he greeted her, his voice oozing politeness. Lord Halvor, trailing slightly behind Vira, caught Sehren’s eye and offered a polished smile. “My daughter speaks highly of your work. You seem to be making yourself quite useful around here.”
Sehren bowed her head slightly. “Thank you, my lord. I do what I can to serve.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7oc4MzWxm
Lord Halvor stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her a bit too long for her comfort. “A rare quality these days, to be both hard-working and... pleasant.” His smile widened, but the look in his eyes made Sehren’s skin crawl.
Sehren stiffened. “I will assist however I’m needed,” she said quietly, keeping her tone neutral. She avoided looking directly at him, hoping her discomfort would go unnoticed.
But Lord Halvor was not one to be easily dismissed. “It must be difficult,” he said, his voice smooth, “to serve in such a large palace. So many duties, so many distractions.” He took a step closer, his fingers brushing lightly against Sehren’s arm. The touch was subtle, but enough to make her flinch.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxSxICcC4S
Sehren suppressed a shiver. “It’s an honor to serve,” she replied, stepping back as casually as she could. Every instinct told her to put more distance between them.
“Ah, of course, of course,” Lord Halvor murmured, his tone polite but his eyes gleaming with something darker. “But surely, there’s no harm in a bit of conversation, is there?”
Sehren forced herself to smile, but it felt strained. “If my lord has need of me, I am here,” she said, her voice carefully measured. She didn’t dare look directly into his eyes, fearing what she might see there. Her heart pounded as she desperately searched for an excuse to leave.
Lady Vira, oblivious to the tension or perhaps accustomed to her father’s manner, waved her hand dismissively. “Come along, girl, I need you to attend to my hair.” Her tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ327PDEVZwd
Sehren bowed again and quickly moved toward Lady Vira, grateful for the excuse to escape Lord Halvor’s unsettling attention. But he wasn’t quite finished.
“You mustn’t be in such a rush, Sehren,” Lord Halvor said smoothly, stepping closer once more. “There’s always time for a little conversation, isn’t there?”
Sehren’s heart raced as she felt his fingers traced her arm up to her shoulder. It was a fleeting touch, but it sent a chill down her spine. She stepped back as casually as she could, hoping to mask her discomfort. “If my lord has need of me, I am at your service,” she replied, her voice betraying none of the unease she felt.
Lord Halvor’s smile never wavered, though it never quite reached his eyes. “I look forward to our next chat,”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCPaXGfc1T
Sehren bowed again and quickly turned to follow Lady Vira. As they walked away, she could feel Lord Halvor’s eyes on her back, the creeping disgust growing with every step.
Sehren had spent the better part of the week trying to earn Lady Vira’s trust, forcing herself to be friendly and attentive despite the growing dread that gnawed at her. She knew Vira was key to discovering what had happened to Sebil, who had vanished without a trace. But the more Sehren tried, the clearer it became that Vira wasn’t one to be easily swayed by pleasantries.
One afternoon, as Sehren carefully arranged Lady Vira’s assortment of jewelry, she mustered the courage to ask about Sebil. “My lady,” she began, keeping her voice light and respectful, “I wondered if perhaps you had heard any news of the girl Sebil? She hasn’t been seen for a while…”
Lady Vira’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a cruel smile. “Who?” she repeated mockingly, drawing out the name as if savoring it. “Oh, I don't know a Sebil? Why, I wouldn’t waste a second thinking about her.” She turned in her chair, examining Sehren with cold, calculating eyes. “Though… you seem rather concerned. How touching.”
Sehren forced a smile, though her heart was racing. “She’s a friend, my lady. I just want to know if she’s alright.”
Vira let out a short, derisive laugh. “Oh, you poor thing,” she cooed, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “You really think your little friend is still around? Maybe she’s off doing… extra work for the palace.” Her eyes gleamed with malice as she continued, “Or perhaps she’s just disappeared. Things like that happen here, you know. Servants… vanish, and no one ever speaks of it again.”
Sehren’s stomach twisted with fear, but she kept her expression neutral, refusing to give Vira the satisfaction of seeing her reaction. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, dear, don’t be so naive,” Vira said, rising from her chair. She moved closer to Sehren, her voice dropping dangerously. “There’s a long history of disappearances in this palace. Some servants just… vanish in the night. No one looks for them. No one cares.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ioplrmjc7
Sehren’s heart pounded in her chest. Was she threatening her? Or worse, was she telling the truth? “But… surely someone would notice—”
“Notice?” Vira interrupted, her voice suddenly cold. “Who? The nobles? The king? You forget your place, girl. We don’t notice people like you. You’re here to serve, to be invisible.” Her smile returned, cruel and mocking. “Your little Sebil probably learned that the hard way.”
Sehren’s hands trembled as she continued with her tasks, her mind racing. Vira didn’t know anything about Sebil’s fate. She was only tormenting her, feeding off her fear like a predator playing with its prey. But even so, her words chilled Sehren to the core.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Lady Vira clapped her hands, demanding Sehren’s attention. “Enough of this nonsense,” she snapped, her tone sharp. “Fetch me my mirror. I want to see how I look.”
Sehren hurried to retrieve the mirror, her hands still shaking. But as she brought it to Vira, she caught a glimpse of the other maid in the room, cowering in the corner. Lady Vira’s cruelty didn’t stop at mere words—she had spent the entire afternoon humiliating the poor girl, making impossible demands and throwing objects when they weren’t completed to her impossible standards.
“Useless!” Vira shrieked as the maid stumbled, nearly dropping a tray of delicate porcelain cups. “You can’t even carry a tray properly? How do you expect to be of any use?”
The maid’s eyes filled with tears, but she said nothing, her hands trembling as she tried to steady the tray.
Vira stood, her face twisting in fury. “Do I have to do everything myself?” She hurled the hot tea at the maid, who barely ducked in time to avoid it smashing against the wall.
Whenever Sehren came in, in the morning to dress Lady Vira, Lord Halvor would be there too, on the pretense of wanting to converse with his daughter. She would catch him watching her from across the room, his eyes following her movements.
One evening, Sehren was walking down the corridor when she heard footsteps behind her. She quickened her pace, but the sound grew closer.
“Sehren,” a voice called, smooth and calm, but with an edge that made her blood run cold.
She turned to find Lord Halvor standing just a few paces away, his face partially obscured by the dim light. “I was just heading to my quarters, my lord,” she said quickly, trying to keep her voice steady.
“No need to rush,” he said, taking a step closer. “It’s late. The palace is quiet… why not enjoy the stillness for a moment?”
Sehren swallowed hard, her pulse racing. “I really should go,” she replied, backing away slightly.
But Lord Halvor moved closer still, his eyes never leaving her. “You work so hard,” he murmured, his tone almost sympathetic. “Always running around, serving others. When do you get to rest?”
Sehren’s heart pounded in her chest as his words sent a shiver down her spine. “I… I should go,” she repeated, more firmly this time.
Halvor’s hand shot out, grasping her arm with a grip that was too tight, though his voice remained gentle. “Why the hurry? Stay a moment, won’t you?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWYTjrr9Ft
Sehren’s breath caught in her throat as she tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. Panic surged through her, but before she could say anything, the sound of footsteps echoed from the end of the hall. Lord Halvor released her, his smile never faltering.
“Until next time, Sehren,” he said softly, before turning and disappearing into the shadows.
Sehren stood frozen, her heart pounding in her ears. That night, as Sehren lay in her small bed, she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had settled deep in her bones. And with Sebil’s absence, the night’s silence rang louder than ever.
The next morning, the news of another disappeared girl could not be kept quiet. Lila, a scullery maid who worked alongside Sehren occasionally, was found dead. She had been strangled and left for dead in a corridor. Sehren’s blood ran cold when she realized that the maid had been found in the corridor leading up to the servant’s quarters.
It wasn’t until later that day, when Cora pulled her aside in the kitchen, that Sehren learned the truth.
“That could’ve been you,” Cora whispered urgently, her eyes wide with fear. “You were there last night. I didn’t trust him. I was only trying to help.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3Vff2mQRe
“Trust… who?” Sehren’s voice trembled. “What are you talking about?”
Cora hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. “Lord Halvor. He’s been watching you, Sehren. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s not safe.”
Sehren’s breath hitched as Cora’s words sank in. “You mean… he…?”
Cora nodded grimly. “He’s dangerous. And I think Lila… but he was really after you!”
Sehren felt her knees weaken, her heart thudding painfully in her chest. “What do I do?”
“I thought… I hoped I was wrong,” Cora whispered, her voice breaking. “But when I heard what happened…”
“What did you do?” Sehren asked.
“I sent Lila to look for you… to accompany you,” Cora said her voice cracking with grief. “I should’ve gone myself.”
“Thank you,” she whispered, tears burning in her eyes. “You saved me.”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvl3QMmglS
Sehren couldn’t keep her mind off the news and work that day. She could feel the weight of it pressing down on her, suffocating her.
It should’ve been me, she thought for the hundredth time as she stood outside the servants' quarters, staring blankly at the morning sun breaking through the trees. That poor girl died because of me.
Unable to bear it any longer, Sehren sought out Kellen. The only person she could trust at this time to confide in. She waited for him in the courtyard where the deliveries would come in any minute now. He smiled when he saw her, but his face quickly fell as he took in her pale complexion and trembling hands.
"Sehren," he said gently, stepping forward, “What’s wrong?"
She could feel the tears welling up before she even spoke. “It’s all my fault,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “The maid... she’s dead because of me. And Sebil—Sebil is gone, and I don’t even know if she’s alive, and... I should’ve done something, Kellen. I should’ve—” Her voice broke, and she covered her face with her hands, unable to keep herself from crumbling.
Kellen’s arms were around her in an instant, pulling her into a tight, comforting embrace. “Sehren, no,” he said softly. “Whatever happened. It isn’t not your fault. You couldn’t have known. No one could have.” He stroked her back gently, his voice soothing. “You’re not to blame. The palace has always been full of secrets... and dangers. This isn’t on you.”
Sehren shook her head against his chest. “But it feels like it is. If I hadn’t... if I hadn’t caught Lord Halvor’s attention, maybe she would still be alive. Maybe Sebil would still be here.”
Kellen pulled back slightly, his hands resting on her shoulders as he met her eyes. “Stop blaming yourself,” he said firmly, but kindly. “You’re not responsible for anyone else’s behavior.”
Sehren wiped her eyes, sniffling, and gave a small nod. “I just... I don’t know what to do anymore.”
Kellen smiled gently, trying to lighten the mood. “Well, I do,” he said. “There’s a place Sebil and I used to go when we were kids. A lagoon, in the forest. It’s quiet, peaceful. We can go there. Just for a little while. You need to get away from all of this.”
The thought of the forest, of being somewhere calm and away from the palace, was tempting. She didn’t want to be in Lord Halvor’s presence today. She nodded slowly. “Alright. I... I think that sounds nice.”
Kellen drove the wagon he had brought the supplies in all the way into the empty streets of Arielle. The market was quiet. She had never been in the town center so early in the morning before. The few people in the streets did not look up at them as they made their way past the square, down the neatly packed avenues that now looked cold and lifeless to Sehren, all the way to the lesser populated part of the town. Kellen set the wagon down and tied the horse to a nearby tree before helping Sehren step down.
The walk to the lagoon took them deep into the forest, the canopy above casting dappled shadows across the ground. Sehren felt her anxiety begin to ease at the sounds of the rustling leaves and the soft trickle of a nearby stream. Kellen kept the conversation light, telling her stories about people at work and their recent antics, trying to make her laugh.
By the time they reached the lagoon, Sehren felt as though a weight had been lifted from her chest. The lagoon was glorious—secluded, surrounded by tall trees, with clear, still water that reflected the sky above. It was a place of peace, untouched by the troubles of the world.
“This place hasn’t changed a bit.” Kellen said with a grin as he gestured to the water.
Sehren smiled, though the sadness in her heart still lingered. “It’s beautiful,” she said softly, stepping closer to the edge of the water. The serenity of the place soothed her, if only for a moment.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSREKw4a7Zw
They sat by the water, talking quietly, the sound of the forest surrounding them. For the first time in days, Sehren allowed herself to relax, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNQZu1vnVN
But the peace didn’t last.
A sudden rustling in the trees behind them made Sehren’s eyes snap open. Kellen shot to his feet, his hand instinctively reaching for the small dagger at his belt. “Did you hear that?” he whispered.
Sehren nodded, her heart racing again. The sound grew louder, the trees trembling as something moved through them—something large. The peaceful atmosphere of the lagoon shattered in an instant, replaced by an oppressive, growing fear.
“Kellen,” Sehren whispered, stepping back. “We need to go.”
But before they could move, the creature emerged from the trees.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7seA3v3gSK
It was massive, its dark, matted fur blending into the shadows of the forest. Its eyes, glowing an unnatural yellow, locked onto Sehren and Kellen, and with a guttural growl, it charged toward them.
Sehren froze, terror gripping her body. She could feel the ground shake beneath her as the beast barreled toward them, its jaws snapping, claws ripping through the earth. Kellen grabbed her arm, pulling her back, but she stumbled, her foot catching on a root.
“Run!” Kellen shouted, pushing her toward the water as he drew his dagger, though it was hopelessly small against the beast.
But before they could move again, a figure leaped out from the trees—a man, moving with a grace and skill that seemed almost unreal. In an instant, he was between them and the creature, sword flashing as he struck.
The beast howled in pain, rearing back as the blade bit into its hide. The man moved with practiced ease, dodging the creature’s strikes and slashing at it with precision.
Sehren’s breath caught in her throat as she recognized him—the fox-masked man from the Autumn Moon Festival.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RKUIlPBOU
Her heart pounding for an entirely different reason now.
He didn’t see her at first, too focused on driving the beast back. With a final, powerful strike, he sent the creature retreating into the woods, its angry howls echoing through the trees.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm76Wh7uedv
When the danger had passed, he turned, a cocky grin on his face. “Well, that was fun,” he said, wiping his sword on the grass. “Looks like I got here just in time.”
Sehren stared at him, her heart racing. How could he be here? The very man that occupied her dreams every day and night, the man she had kissed during the Autumn Moon stood before her now.
Their savior’s eyes flicked to Kellen, then to Sehren. “You alright, love?” he asked, his tone light and teasing. “Your... friend here didn’t seem to be much help.”
Kellen scowled, stepping protectively in front of Sehren. “I was doing fine until you showed up.”
He raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Is that so?” He glanced at Sehren, his gaze lingering on her. “Well, seems like I saved you both, so you’re welcome.”
Sehren felt a pang of disappointment as his easy, flirty tone filled the air. Did he truly not remember her? Did that night mean nothing to him? “Thank you,” she said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady.
He turned to her, his smile never faltering. “Nice to make your acquaintance, Miss…?” He said extending a hand. Kellen stood protectively in front of Sehren.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpazkZ4wJnH
“Pleasure,” he did not sound pleased at all.
“My name is Weston, if the lady was wondering,” He continued. And this time not waiting for Kellen, picked up Sehren’s hand to place a kiss on her fingers tenderly. “Your lover needs a bigger sword than that if he is hoping to protect you.”
Sehren flushed, shaking her head. “He’s not my lover–”
“That’s good news for me, then.” He winked at Sehren.
Kellen bristled, his fists clenching at his sides. “Stay away from her.”
Weston shrugged, his tone still light and amused. “Relax, mate. I’m just having a bit of fun.” He glanced at Sehren again, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “No harm done, right?”
Sehren felt her face flush, caught between Kellen’s frustration and Weston’s relentless teasing. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, a sharp pain shot through her side. She gasped, clutching her waist as the world tilted slightly.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif0Xb5oYeB
Kellen was at her side in an instant. “Sehren, what’s wrong?”
“I... I don’t know,” she whispered, her hand coming away stained with blood. Her mind reeled as she realized what had happened—the creature’s claws had caught her in the struggle, and she hadn’t even noticed.
Weston’s playful expression vanished in an instant, replaced with concern. “You’re hurt,” he said, his voice suddenly serious. He stepped forward, reaching for her arm. “We need to get you treated. Now.”
---
The wound from the monster’s claws burned like fire as Sehren lay on the stiff bed in the healer’s chambers. The room smelled of herbs and smoke, the dim light casting long shadows on the stone walls. Despite the numbing salves and bandages wrapped tightly around her waist, the pain seemed to reach deeper than flesh, curling into her bones.
She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to focus on anything other than the throbbing ache, but voices from the far end of the room caught her attention.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyD3dIXfcS
“...bury her quietly,” one of the men said, his voice low but clear.
Sehren’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching as she strained to listen.
Sehren’s stomach twisted. They were talking about the maid. The girl who had died in her place. She hadn’t even been given a proper burial. They were going to cover it up, hide her away like she had never existed.
The guilt came rushing back, crashing over her in waves. This girl was dead because of her—because of Lord Halvor’s twisted obsession. And now, they would bury her in secret, as though her life hadn’t mattered at all.
Sehren couldn’t just lie there and do nothing. She had to know the truth, and if no one else was going to speak for the maid, then she would. Her mind made up, Sehren waited for the voices to drift away before carefully pulling herself out of the bed. Pain shot through her side as she moved, but she gritted her teeth, determined to ignore it.
The healer had left her alone, trusting that she would stay put, but Sehren had no intention of following orders. She slipped out of the chambers, moving as quietly as she could through the dim corridors, the palace eerily silent. They had mentioned something about the stables. If the maid was to be buried there, someone had to know more.
Her heart pounded harder the closer she got to the stables. The bunkhouse housed the stablehands. Though Sehren never stayed there she knew the place inside and out. She sneaked in through a back window that they left open to let the southern wind blow in. Joshen was fast asleep in bed. She tiptoed around the other beds until she reached him She clasped a hand over his mouth startling him awake. He jumped up but didn't make a sound when he saw her. She motioned for him to be quiet. He pulled her out far from the bunkhouse towards the direction of the palace.
“Sehren,” he said. “What are you doing here? Is that blood?” his eyes widened looking at her clothes.
Sehren didn’t waste any time. “I need answers, Joshen,” she said, her voice low but firm. “I know what they’re planning to do. They’re going to bury Lily near the stables somewhere, aren’t they?”
Joshen’s expression darkened, and he looked away, his jaw tightening. “You shouldn’t be here,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “This is dangerous, Sehren. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I need to know the truth,” Sehren pressed, stepping closer. “Please, Joshen. If you know anything about Sebil, about what happened to her... I need to know. Is she still alive?”
Joshen’s face twisted in anger, and he turned on her suddenly, his voice sharp and angry. “Is this what you've been doing all this time? Is that how you got yourself hurt? I know nothing about this Sebil! You think I want to be involved in this? I’m trying to keep my head down, trying to survive, and you’re out here asking dangerous questions!”
Sehren recoiled at the intensity of his words, but she held her ground. “Joshen, please,” she begged. “I just need the truth. I can’t stop thinking about her. About what happened.”
His eyes flashed with frustration, and he stepped closer, his voice dropping to a furious whisper. He grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “If you keep asking questions like this, you’re going to end up like them—or worse. Do you understand? You need to leave. Don’t come back here.”
Sehren’s chest tightened, a sinking feeling of hopelessness washing over her. “Joshen—”
“Go!” Joshen snapped, his face flushed with anger. “I’m warning you, Sehren. This isn’t a game. You need to leave well enough alone.”
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Sehren didn't return to the healers chamber. She walked back through the empty halls feeling equally empty and numb inside. She couldn't get herself to fall asleep, and when she finally did in the early hours of the morning, it was troubled sleep, full of visions of blood, and mangled hands and staring eyes.
She woke up before the sun and crawled through the pain in front of the mirror to wash herself, to wash away the guilt of a nights sleep, the guilt of luring someone else to their death. A death that should've been hers.
She returned to Vira's room that day. There was no one else who would work for her.
Sehren’s hands worked automatically, laying out Lady Vira’s supper. The room felt colder than usual, the light thin and pale. Her thoughts raced, the events of last night pounding in her skull. She couldn’t stop thinking about the maid. The whispers. The burial in secret.
“Look at her,” Vira’s voice cut through the air, sharp. “Tired, I think. Didn’t sleep well, did you?”
Sehren said nothing. Her fingers tightened on the handle of the teacup she was holding.
Vira glanced at her in the mirror, a smirk curling her lips. “Your poor friend,” she drawled. “Don’t even know her name, do you? Dead now, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Sehren’s chest tightened.
Vira laughed, light and cruel. “Poor Sehren. You miss her, don’t you?”10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaDb16i4QN
The sound grated against Sehren’s skull. Her vision blurred. Her hands began to shake.
“I wonder,” Vira mused, leaning back lazily, “if she screamed before she died.”
Sehren’s pulse roared in her ears. Blood pounded in her temples. Her fingers trembled as the teacup slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04ibNoCEtS
Vira barely glanced at the broken pieces, laughing again, louder this time, as she moved toward the balcony. Something snapped.
Before Sehren realized what she was doing, she was behind Vira. Her hands shot forward.
She shoved.
Vira’s body jolted forward, her feet slipping, her hands flailing for something to grab—but there was nothing.
A scream, sharp and piercing, filled the air as Vira tumbled over the rail.10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07JeYDgOWb
The thud of her body hitting the ground below was sickening.
Sehren stood frozen, her hands still outstretched. The weight of what she had done pressed in, suffocating. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.
Vira lay crumpled in the courtyard, her body twisted, her eyes half-closed.
Sehren whispered, barely audible, “No.”
But it was too late.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLZ2jlShqy
