The whispers grew louder with each passing day.
Wherever I walked, conversations stopped.
People who had once ignored me now watched me from the corners of their eyes.
Some looked afraid.
Others looked curious.
A few simply looked cruel.
I preferred being invisible.
At least then, no one expected me to be a monster.
I arrived at the estate before sunrise.
The kitchens were already alive with activity.
“Elara,” the head cook called.
“Take breakfast to the guest wing.”
I nodded.
“Yes, ma’am.”
As I arranged the trays, I noticed one was different from the others.
It held fresh fruit, warm bread, tea…
…and another small honey cake.
The same kind Kael had given me yesterday.
A smile tugged at my lips.
Before I could wonder why, the head cook noticed my expression.
“That tray
