Chapter 46
I headed to my room, the burden of his words lingering on me like a layer of skin. The shower beckoned—the second time today yet it was necessary. I had to cleanse the strain, the tension, the doubt that had been mounting since my arrival. The water was blistering, nearly harsh on my skin. I embraced it. The suffering was becoming familiar, almost reassuring, in its constancy.
Then I sank on my bed, wet, and my hair spotting the pillow. Early to bed, early to rise--it was all. Simple. Logical. But sleep was an unkind mistress, there I was in the darkness, hearing the strange noises of the estate settling down around me, the far-off creaks and murmurs which made my heart beat wildly.
When I finally slept, it was troubled with faces and glances lurking in corners just out of si
