Violet
As I led her through the quiet halls of the castle, away from the crowd and the weight of their judgmental stares. Her fingers clung tightly to my sleeve, as if letting go would send her spiraling into oblivion. I could only imagine that to her it felt like it would.
She sniffled, trembling beside me. The scent of fear filled the air as we walked.
“You’ll stay in Darkmoon,” I told her, keeping my voice steady and firm, hoping to anchor her in the moment. “We have an orphanage system in place, one of the best among the noble territories. You’ll be safe there, and you’ll be educated properly.”
She gave a weak nod, but she didn’t say anything. Her breath was still uneven, shallow, like she was trying not to cry but failing. I guided her into one of the guest rooms on the upper floo
