Stella moved closer to the window, trying to get a clearer view of the figures outside.
The glass reflected a faint image of the room behind her, while the garden beyond remained dim, lit only by scattered lanterns along the stone path.
Despite the effort, the darkness concealed most of their features.
A few minutes later, the two figures separated.
As one stepped slightly into the faint light, Stella managed to recognize her. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"This is Hannah… what is she doing there at this time?"
Hannah's duties were usually confined to managing the household, organizing the servants, overseeing daily routines, and attending to Mrs. Loran.
Even during the day, she rarely wandered far. Seeing her outside, in the quiet of the night, felt out of place.
The other person slipped through the back door of the house, disappearing before any clear detail could be seen.
" What did she give him? She looked tense… almost nervous. What happened?... And why should I care? I should focus on solving my own problems."
Stella dropped onto the bed, the mattress sinking slightly under the weight.
" I'm glad I found Liam there… otherwise I wouldn't have gotten anything."
After a long breath, tension eased. Thoughts gradually slowed, and after the usual stretch of overthinking, sleep finally came.
The next morning, Stella followed the usual routine and went to Annie's room. The curtains were partially drawn, letting in soft morning light, but Annie wasn't there.
" Where did this girl go? Usually, I'm the one who wakes her up."
Waiting inside for nearly half an hour changed nothing. The room remained quiet.
Eventually, the decision was made to ask a servant.
As the door opened, Stella nearly collided with Carla.
" Ah, what's happening, Carla? You almost knocked me over!"
Carla, slightly out of breath, replied quickly, " Alina… Mr. Loran… he's very ill. Madam wants you to come, Miss Annie is in distress."
Without hesitation, Stella hurried through the hallway.
The atmosphere had shifted, servants moved quickly, voices lowered, tension filling the space.
When they arrived, Annie was already crying, completely shaken. Mrs. Loran stood nearby, her expression strained.
" Madam, what happened to the Master?"
Mrs. Loran replied softly, " I'm not entirely sure… he was fine yesterday, but this morning…"
Stella knelt beside Annie, trying to calm her.
" Annie, you must calm down. Your grandfather will be fine. Don't worry, the doctor will help him."
Time passed slowly.
After about an hour, the door finally opened. The doctor stepped out with Liam and Hannah.
Their expressions, though serious, carried a hint of relief.
Instructions were given briefly before the doctor left, with Hannah following behind.
Liam turned toward the others with a reassuring smile.
" There's nothing to worry about now. He's stable. The doctor said he'll wake up in a few hours."
Annie quickly wiped away tears," this is great."
Moving closer, she hugged both her brother and grandmother.
" Oh, it's good that things didn't get worse."
A quiet breath escaped Stella, relief finally settling in.
By evening, duties were done.
After dinner, the path led back toward the room, but a pause came midway.
" I should return the books."
Direction changed toward the library. The corridor was quiet, lit by soft wall lamps casting long shadows.
" I finished them quickly… good thing they were short. Now maybe I can find something in chemistry or biology. That would be better than those history books."
At the entrance, the door stood slightly open, and no one appeared to be around.
"That's good… maybe I won't have to deal with that old man again."
But upon stepping inside, voices could be heard.
The expression tightened.
" Of course… just my luck."
The voices were familiar. Moving carefully behind one of the tall shelves, Stella peeked through.
Liam and Adam.
" When did the peacock return here? I haven't seen him in a month."
Liam sat calmly, while Adam leaned slightly against the table, holding a book.
" Brother, how did this happen? Who poisoned Grandfather?"
Stella froze," poison? I thought he was just sick…"
Liam replied quietly, " I don't know yet. But it must be someone close… possibly within the house."
Adam placed the book aside.
" What do we do now?"
Liam rubbed his forehead.
" If I had more time, I would've figured it out already… but I have other issues. The cursed village is causing trouble again. Caravans are avoiding the route, it's affecting trade."
Stella listened closely, " that village again… there's nothing there. Just burned houses…"
The words slipped out unintentionally.
Both brothers turned immediately.
Stella stiffened," I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to intrude. I just happened to be here…"
Adam sighed, " you again?"
" I didn't mean to..."
Liam interrupted gently, " miss White… you've been there before, haven't you?"
" Damn… I really messed up." She thought .
" Yes… I went once, with a caravan. I was curious. There was nothing unusual… just rumors."
The brothers exchanged a glance.
Adam spoke, " Let me handle it. I'll go there myself."
" But Adam..."
" You're busy. I'll deal with it."
Liam sighed.
" Fine. But be careful."
Then his gaze shifted toward Stella.
" On one condition, you'll take Miss Alina with you."
A slight frown appeared, " didn't even ask me…"
Adam added calmly, " maybe we should hear her opinion first."
Liam smiled.
" My apologies, Miss White."
A brief hesitation… then, she said, " I'll go with you."
Curiosity had already taken control.
Later, on the way back to the room, a small object was slipped from under the dress, an old chemistry book taken quietly.
" At least I'll have something useful for the trip."
Steps slowed along the corridor as exhaustion settled in.
" That Annie is exhausting… but at least she's improving."
Near the door, movement stopped.
Two voices… low, careful.
Familiar.
A step closer to one of the doors.
" You should do better next time. It didn't work."
" You're right… I should've been more careful."
Eyes narrowed slightly.
" That's… Hannah?"
The second voice sounded familiar as well, but unclear.
Hannah continued, tone colder now, " this should never be revealed."