Author's POV
Mrs. Lancaster was irritated by the sudden invitation to the rooftop. She had been moments away from falling asleep, her body already relaxed into her silk pillows. The last thing she wanted was to be dragged into some midnight drama.
But it was Melissa who had texted her.
And Melissa rarely reached out these days unless she needed something or was really sad. That alone was enough to make her sigh, pull on her robe, and head upstairs.
Just what did Alistair want to talk to me about? She thought, but…
Just as she stepped out of her room, her eyes fell on Seraphina, descending the stairs with slow, quiet steps. The girl's expression was unreadable…
Her brows were drawn faintly together, and her eyes looked empty; there was no shine in them, just as they used to have in the past when she arrived at the Lancaster mansion.
It made Mrs. Lancaster pause.
