"B-Bella... yes, it's from Bella," Celine stammered. Her throat felt parched, her voice catching on the fear spreading through her body. She took a slow breath, trying with all her might to steady the heart racing against her ribs.
Celine summoned the courage to look at Leo, searching for a gap in that ice-cold gaze. "She... she was just checking on me. Bella wants to see me for a moment. Is it alright... after dinner, could I go to the servants' quarters?" Celine asked hoarsely, hoping Leo might possess a sliver of humanity tonight.
Leo did not answer immediately. He remained still, staring at Celine intently with a sharp, piercing look, as if reading every fear she tried to hide. The silence was suffocating, more terrifying than a shout.
"O-okay... I understand. I won't go there," Celine said quickly when no answer came from his lips. Her body shook violently, her voice trembling with terror. "I'll go straight to the room after dinner."
