"Hmmmmrrr rrrrng hragh hragh," Farah's usual chirps and squeaks had turned to huffs and growls as she looked at the arc of the hallway.
Someone was there, standing looking.
In Lydia's memory, he was a shadow, but the red blood dripping from his double-sided scythe was clearer than day.
Plip
Plop
Plip
Plop
The blood was tarnishing the pureness of the hallway, the relaxing sound of water, and the peace of that day.
"Your Highness…"
"Highness… pardon," the chief steward said as he gripped Lydia's shoulder.
When Lydia came to herself, she raised her head and looked at him.
"Pardon, is Your Highness alright?" he said as he withdrew his hand. "Your highness has been standing here for quite a while."
Lydia blinked.
"Oh, h…have I?"
Lydia looked around.
The woman and the brunette maid were no longer there.
The chief steward was standing close, and the pink-haired maid was standing at the side.
