The investigation

Ella’s P.O.V

I tiptoed towards the bed—a habit perfected from years of living in hovels and orphanages—hoping not to wake anyone in the maid chambers.

I was exhausted from the long day and all I wanted was to curl up under the covers and forget everything. I reached for the thin blanket, but before I could pull it over me, a deafening crash made me jump out of my skin. I gasped and looked around, my heart back flipping in my chest.

Glass shards glittered on the floor, reflecting the moonlight. The window was shattered, leaving a gaping hole in the wall. I felt a cold breeze on my face and it made my blood run cold with fear.

“Who’s there?” I shakily called out and grabbed the knife I always keep under my pillow. No answer.

“Uh!” I gasped as a shadow fluttered past the window, my heart slamming hard against my ribcage. “Who…who’s there?” still same as before.

No, if anything I wouldn’t let them catch me first. Summoning every bit of my courage, I tightened my grip on the knife and