Alina was shivering. Her teeth wouldn't stop chattering and her hands were numb. She needed to change immediately but going through the main corridor wasn't a good idea. She was afraid someone would see her like that and the whispers would start again. Her feet were cold inside her soaked slippers. She didn't have the strength for that.
So she turned to the servant's corridor. She walked quickly with her head down and arms wrapped around herself but slowed when she passed through the east wing.
She stopped and looked at the door. Deciding to ignore it, she began to walk when she heard a knock from behind her.
She froze. The sound came again. Her heart slammed against her ribs. She looked around and found the corridor empty.
Instead of walking away, she walked back to the door and stood in front of it. After a moment of hesitation, she knocked back.
"Who's there?" Alina asked.
