3. The Lost Relative

[Erica]

Her eyes fluttered open. However, she couldn't tell if it was day or simply she had woken up in the middle of the night. She definitely felt rested, even though her eyes felt dry and crusty. She rubbed her eyes and padded to the washroom. The mansion was surprisingly equipped with a good water supply. Maybe it's magic, she thought offhandedly as she washed her face. She looked at the medium-sized mirror above the washbasin. Tired, swollen and red-rimmed eyes stared back at her. Her skin looked pale. She hardly recognised herself anymore.

She exited the washroom and decided to go outside and see if anyone had woken up. The corridor was silent. She padded her way to the hall or the living room where she had first met the others. She was about to enter when she heard hushed voices coming from the room. She stilled and strained her ears to listen.

"I don't want to burden her any further, " a male voice said, and Erica could bet that it was the same man who had shown her to her