The pup, whom I’d started calling “Ash”…slept curled beside my pillow, small chest rising and falling with delicate, uneven breaths. She was healing slowly, but she was healing.And somehow, taking care of her loosened something tight around my heart. I wasn’t whole, not even close, but the cracks didn’t feel as sharp when she was near.Still… I couldn’t stay locked in my room forever.I needed to breathe different air.I needed people who weren’t Larry or Zara.I needed something, anything to remind me that I wasn’t invisible here.So that afternoon, I made my way toward the servant quarters.Several maids were gathered near the laundry line, folding fresh linens. Their chatter ebbed the moment I approached, drifting off into awkward silence.A few bowed stiffly.A few looked at the ground.One walked away entirely, pretending she suddenly remembered a chore.I forced a gentle smile. “Good afternoon.”Two mumbled a quiet greeting.No one met my eyes.I stepped closer. “I wanted to ch
Last Updated : 2025-12-05 Read more