The rest of the morning dragged by. I stayed in my room for a while after Mrs. Hale left, sipping the tea she brought until it went cold.
Eventually, the walls started closing in. I needed air. Anything but sitting here.
I slipped out of my room and started wandering the mansion. It felt strange to explore without permission, but no one stopped me. I passed several closed doors, including what I assumed was the entrance to Lucian’s forbidden west wing. I didn’t dare try the handle.
Downstairs, the living areas were just as intimidating. I felt small. Out of place. Like a guest who had overstayed her welcome before she even arrived.
My feet eventually carried me to the library. It was the first room that didn’t feel completely sterile. For the first time since arriving, something inside
