The Beginning Of All Sins

Even Alisa noticed that Olivia didn't seem herself. Concerned, she approached her in the morning, asking, "What's wrong, Ma'am? Did you have a nightmare?" Olivia, panic-stricken, sat motionless in bed. Her head was drenched in sweat, her face ashen.

"Ma'am?" Alisa pressed gently.

Olivia gazed at her in silence for a moment before pulling her knees close, appearing utterly helpless.

Alisa sensed her distress, sat beside her, and grasped her shoulders. "What's the matter? Did something happen?"

"I'm scared," Olivia whispered, her voice barely audible.

"What is it?"

Olivia remained silent, her body trembling.

Alisa, alarmed, exclaimed, "Did something frighten you?"

Olivia stayed silent, burying her face between her knees.

hurried

on the couch, engaged in conversation with the maids in her room. As usual, Ana was

her time playing poker with friends or visiting the

enter, Maisy asked, "What

explain, "Ms. Maisy, Ms. Olivia isn't feeling

sick?" Maisy jumped up, clutching a pillow. "Why

heard she had a high fever the day before she returned from Vahari. She's been feeling dispirited

go. Let's find out what happened to her," Maisy

immediately went

*

arrived,

same

nove

ne

her and asked, "What's wrong, my darling? Why do look like

Olivia called

et

sat by the bed and held Olivia's hands "What's wrong? What happened? Why do you