Back at Clafford Mansion, Anna and Betty spent the afternoon together, wandering through the vast estate. After exploring the grand indoor halls — filled with art, chandeliers, and quiet echoes of old money — they decided to take their adventure outside.
The gardens stretched endlessly, blooming in soft shades of pink and white, the air rich with the scent of roses and sunlight. Betty trailed behind Anna, marveling at every corner like a child in a fairy tale — until something caught her attention.
"Big Sis," she said suddenly, her eyes narrowing as she stepped closer, "did you get hurt?"
"Hurt?" Anna blinked, confused, until Betty gently reached out and brushed her thumb against a faint mark on her neck.
The moment her skin made contact, Anna stiffened — a shiver running down her spine as she instinctively pulled back.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—" Betty stammered, wide-eyed and flustered.
But Anna barely heard her.
