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 to find

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

time playing poker with friends or visiting the beauty salon, but

asked,

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

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

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

find out what happened to her,"

immediately went to

*

Maisy arrived, Olivia

same

nove

ne

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

Olivia called

et

tell right away that something was amiss. She sat by the bed and held Olivia's