An awkward silence followed as the three girls walked through the Estate corridors.
Their footsteps echoed softly over the floor.
Ceres continued ahead, one hand brushing the wall whenever the lingering weakness in her body made her unsteady. Esther walked near her with open curiosity. Hermione remained slightly behind them, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Hermione was upset.
She did not fully understand why.
If she had tried to explain it, she might have said that Ceres was an unnecessary addition. The three sisters had only just returned to the Estate. They had only just repaired things with Ulrich. Everything still felt fragile.
And now there was another girl.
Another witch.
A girl Ulrich had apparently known for some time.
A girl he had hidden from them.
That part bothered Hermione the most.
Why had Ulrich never told them about Ceres?
