EMMA
I caught Lita's reflection in the mirror.
She wasn't paying attention to what she was doing, her hand moved mechanically as the brush tugged through my hair, snagging more than usual. Her gaze was distant, lips parted slightly like she was lost in thought.
I tilted my head, frowning. "What's on your mind?"
She blinked rapidly and flushed, caught off guard. "Oh, it's nothing, Mistress," she murmured, offering a smile too quick to be real. "It's just that I heard this morning that Ethan is awake. Everyone's whispering about it."
"Ethan is awake?" I repeated, jolted by the news.
Why hadn't anyone told me?
"I think the doctor's still deciding if he's strong enough for visitors," she added, brushing a little more gently now.
I stood abruptly, brushing down the folds of my dress with trembling fingers.
"Mistress!" Lita called after me. "I haven't finished your hair!"
"I'll come back later," I tossed over my shoulder as I hurried out the door.
