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.

Alisa hurried

on the couch, engaged in conversation with the maids

her time playing poker with friends or visiting the

asked,

to explain, "Ms. Maisy, Ms. Olivia

she sick?" Maisy jumped up, clutching a pillow. "Why is she sick? Did you call the

high fever the day before she returned from Vahari. She's been

Let's find out what happened to her,"

immediately went to

*

arrived,

the same position.

nove

ne

and asked, "What's wrong, my darling?

up meekly, Olivia

et

bed and held Olivia's hands "What's wrong? What happened? Why do