JAMES
I watched Stella curl inward, that's what Carrington called her,”Stella,” . She was gasping, one hand clutching her side like she could keep the pain from spilling out if she held it tight enough. The sound grated.
I straightened, adjusting my cuffs like I hadn’t just reduced a person to the ground. Around us, the maids stared at the floor, shoulders stiff, breaths shallow.
“Get her up,” I said calmly.
No one moved.
I turned my head slightly. That was all it took.
Two maids rushed forward, hesitant, careful not to touch her too roughly,as if kindness would save them if they misstepped. They helped her sit, then stand. She swayed, teeth clenched, pride doing more work than her body.
Interesting.
Her eyes found mine again.
I stepped closer.Up close, I could see the tremor sh
