Chapter 14: Whispers in the Dark
Ravenswood Manor – Guest Chamber
The room was grand yet cold.
A large canopy bed stood in the center, draped in velvet curtains, its dark wood carved with intricate patterns.
A fireplace crackled in the corner, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
Lucia stood near the window, arms crossed, staring out at the moonlit garden below.
Her mind refused to rest.
The Duke had brought her here under the pretense of protection.
But protection from what?
The questions swirled in her mind, restless and unanswered.
A quiet knock on the door startled her.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(turning sharply) Who is it?
The door opened slightly, and a maid stepped inside, holding a tray.
Her uniform was crisp, her demeanor composed.
Marian / Maid
His Grace requested that you eat before retiring for the night.
Was she truly being treated as a guest… or was this a way to keep her under control?
Still, hunger gnawed at her.
She had barely eaten since morning.
With a nod, she sat at the small table as the maid set the tray down.
Warm soup. Fresh bread. Grilled Meat. A pot of tea.
Lucia picked up the spoon but paused.
The maid was still standing there, watching her.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(raising an eyebrow) Do you usually watch people eat?
The maid’s lips twitched, almost as if suppressing a smile.
Marian / Maid
No, my lady. But His Grace instructed that I remain until you’ve finished.
Of course. The Duke wasn’t taking any risks with her.
She sighed and took a sip of the soup.
Warmth spread through her, easing the cold tension in her body.
For a few minutes, silence filled the room as she ate.
The maid remained by the door, silent but observant.
When Lucia was done, she set the spoon down and glanced up.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
What is your name?
The maid seemed slightly surprised by the question.
Marian / Maid
(bowing) Marian, my lady.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(softly) Have you worked here long?
Marian / Maid
Yes. Since I was a girl.
There was something sharp in Marian’s eyes, something that told her she wasn’t just an ordinary servant.
Lucia opened her mouth to ask more, but the maid suddenly straightened.
Her eyes flickered toward the door.
Marian quickly gathered the tray and gave a small bow.
Marian / Maid
Rest well, my lady.
She left just as the footsteps stopped outside the door.
Then… the door creaked open.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(leaning against the doorway) You look troubled.
The flickering candlelight cast his face in half-shadow, making him seem even more unreadable.
She forced herself to stay calm.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Should I not be?
He tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words.
Then, stepping forward, he reached into his coat pocket.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I have something for you.
Lucia’s brows furrowed as he extended his hand.
In his palm lay a familiar object.
Her pendant. The one she had clung to for years.
Her breath caught. She had lost it at the ball.
Lucia quickly snatched it from his hand, her fingers closing tightly around it.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(whispers) Where did you get this?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
You dropped it. You should be more careful with things of value.
Lucia swallowed hard. This pendant…
The only thing she had left from her past.
Her heart pounded as she stared at it.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(quietly) Why do I feel like you know more than you let on?
A slow, knowing smile played on his lips.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Perhaps I do.
Lucia shivered. There was no doubt about it—Duke Alexander Ravenswood was hiding something.
And if she wanted to uncover the truth, she would have to play his game carefully.
Comments
Cookie
why is this story so much better then alot I've read??
and why it not getting any attention??
2025-04-09
1