"….!"
A sudden chill ran down my spine, the kind that prickled along the skin as though unseen eyes were fixed on me. I rubbed at my ears and muttered under my breath,
"Someone must be talking about me behind my back."
"There are plenty who'd want to, starting with me standing right here."
Amelia's dry voice snapped me back.
"What a cruel thing to admit. I have feelings, you know. I'm hurt."
"As if demons care about such things."
She scoffed and brushed past me, skirts swishing as she headed toward the hall.
"Where are you going?"
"To the drawing room. Guests will be arriving any moment. Someone has to greet them properly."
She was right. Through the tall windows, I could see the slow but steady approach of carriages, wheels crunching on gravel, coats of arms gleaming on their polished doors.
"Why don't you join me?" she said without turning. "You'll find plenty here eager to claim you."
"Claim me?" I frowned.
