Evander's POV
Footsteps echoed from the stairwell, quick and uneven.
I looked up just in time to see Mara appear at the far end of the hall, her face streaked with tears, hands shaking as she pressed them to her apron. She scanned the room like a frightened rabbit until her eyes met mine.
I didn't say a word.
I just stared.
And she broke instantly—her gaze dropping to the floor, shoulders curling inward like a child caught stealing.
Guilt.
Whatever it was, she'd done something wrong. Or maybe she hadn't, but she felt wrong.
Her breathing was uneven. I could smell the fear pouring off her in waves.
I frowned. "What is it now?"
She didn't answer.
Typical.
I could feel irritation building behind my ribs, slow and steady. This night had taken too much from me already, and the last thing I needed was to play mediator between a servant and a human who couldn't even see the trouble she caused.
