Esme's keen ears picked up the sound of multiple footsteps in the distance. Blood trickled down from the corner of her mouth and her palm which was pricked with the rose thorns. Her momentary distraction broke her control over the woman's mind and the kneeling woman fell on her back.
Hearing the sounds of the footsteps approaching closer, Esme ran towards the darkest corner of the ballroom before hiding behind the layer of thick curtains. She clutched the material of the curtains in her fist and leaned back on the wall to support her limp body.
"Your Grace, is this the place where you heard it?"
''Yes, I think so,'' came a gentle voice like that of tranquil water.
Esme slightly shifted the curtains and glanced in the direction of the voice. Her gaze landed on the lady dressed in an elegant lilac gown. Her blonde tresses were arranged in a beautiful braid as it fell in front of her shoulder. There was a small frown tugging on her small face.
