~ HAZEL ~
My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I watch Ruth walk away to continue her duties.
My head aches, my nerves are on edge, as worry course through me like a relentless tide.
‘Where could Ryan be? And why did he rush out, all alone, so early in the morning?’
I know he’s an adult, strong, and probably far better equipped to handle danger than me— He can take care of himself. But the worry still clings stubbornly to my heart, refusing to let go.
Needing to distract myself, I decide to get busy.
I walk back into my room, heading straight to the bathroom to wash up. Maybe by the time I’m done, Ryan will be back from wherever he went.
More than half an hour passes. I’m refreshed, dressed in a modest daytime outfit. Because Madam Adora is around, I’m more careful with what I
