¬ Hiln
"Hiln." Saffire stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Should you even be out here? After what—"
"I needed air." The lie came easier than I expected. I forced a small, sad smile onto my face. "The castle grounds felt suffocating. I could not stay there, not with everyone staring at me like I was already dead."
Saffire flinched at that.
"I hope to return later tonight," I continued, keeping my voice steady. "Out of sight. Before anyone important notices I am gone."
May and Saffire exchanged a glance. I could see the worry etched into their features, the questions they wanted to ask but did not know how to voice them.
Beside me, Becca shifted her weight. I felt her unease, but she didn't say anything.
The silence stretched.
I should make an excuse. Slip away now, before more damage was done. Every moment I stood here was another moment that servant was memorizing my face, Becca's face, filing away details that could be reported back to someone who would care.
