SHADOW

The Mansion's Secret

Count Ambrosio had disappeared again, and Sha had almost lost track of how many weeks had passed since she last saw him. It was both a relief and a torment—she was far too curious to understand why this strange, wealthy man, who looked only a few years older than her, had adopted her. It was all very peculiar.

She asked Sonya if she had any idea what was going on or if she had learned anything. Servants usually knew everything about their master—at least, that's what Sha believed. But it seemed she was wrong.

"Well, we don't have any idea, my lady. It is indeed very peculiar, but I haven't worked here for long. Most servants in this house don't know the Count very well, since no one but his assistant has worked here for more than a year. That, too, is another strange mystery tied to this household," replied Sonya as she continued brushing Sha's hair.

It was admittedly excessive to brush her hair so many times a day, but Sha enjoyed it—and it seemed Sonya did too. Brushing and braiding hair was one of Sonya's favorite tasks, and Sha noticed her face would light up every time she asked her to do it—or to teach her how to braid her own. Sha was getting much better at it now, and once in a while, she even dared to braid Sonya's hair. It was fun, and it made her feel as if the maid was becoming her friend.

Still, she missed Floriana dearly and worried constantly, especially because she never got a chance to say goodbye. She hadn't received any news from the Academy about her friend's fate, either. She had written back, hoping someone might reply—it was the only address she had.

"It is indeed very strange that no one besides Simon has worked here longer than a year. I wonder what happened to them..." Sha asked, biting her lower lip.

"The Count seems like a kind man, and all the horrible stories are probably nothing more than stories. Nothing to worry about—I'm sure of it," said Sonya, starting to braid Sha's hair with beautiful pearly ribbons. The contrast of black and white was striking.

"What horrible stories?" asked Sha, narrowing her eyes.

"Well... it's not my place to gossip. I wouldn't want to lose my position, my lady. I really shouldn't..." Sonya replied, lowering her gaze.

"You shouldn't keep secrets from me. I thought we were friends," Sha said, turning to Sonya with pleading eyes. "I thought we could talk about anything. You're breaking my heart, Sonya. I don't have anyone closer than you in the whole world these days," she sighed.

"All right, all right—but this must stay between us. Simon adores the Count, and he'd probably demote me to the kitchens if he heard any gossip about his precious master. He once even slapped a maid for commenting on how attractive the Count looked. He scolded her and made her peel potatoes for a week—said no maid should ogle her master."

"All right, all right—my lips are sealed! It's not like I'm gossip buddies with Simon. He barely talks to me—just shows up from time to time with my list of lessons and teachers for the week. Our interaction is the bare minimum, don't worry," Sha replied with a smile.

"There are stories that the mansion is cursed, that a ghost haunts the grounds and occasionally kills the staff. That's why no one works here for long—either they run away or they disappear. But I think it's nonsense. The pay is amazing—triple or more compared to other places—and the workload is light. We have so many staff members that no one has to do much. I don't think I've ever had a better life than this, Lady Sha. We are truly blessed," Sonya said, beginning to arrange the bed.

"I hope so... but I do wonder what's really happening to the workers. Do you really think they'd leave such a well-paying job voluntarily?" Sha sighed. She wondered if she should tell Sonya about the ghost in the garden. Would the girl believe her? Would she flee the mansion? Or was the spirit truly dangerous?

"I want you to listen to me. Really listen," said Sha, grabbing Sonya's hand.

"What is it, my lady?" Sonya asked, trying to step back. The girl looked visibly shaken. But Sha didn't want to lose her new friend. She still couldn't bring herself to speak plainly about the ghost or explain what had happened—she didn't even fully understand it herself. She hadn't gone back to the garden since the night the princes visited and still wondered if the entity lingered there.

The ghost had spoken of the Academy and a grudge against her for drinking some essence. That meant the spirit was only after her—right? It couldn't have harmed anyone before she came. Unless... there was another ghost.

"What is it?" Sonya asked again, impatiently. "I can't stand here all day, my lady. What do you want me to do?"

"I want to ask you not to go into the garden in the evening. In fact, if possible, avoid the back garden altogether—just stay away from it at all costs," said Sha, clutching the girl's hand.

"You're scaring me, Lady Sha. If this is a joke, it's a cruel one. I've heard the other maids talk about some evil spirit in the garden, but it's just gossip. Don't let the old women's stories frighten you," said Sonya, grabbing the basket of dirty laundry and hurrying out the door.

Sha stepped out of her room; her dancing lesson would begin soon. She had to cross the long portico that separated the main house from the ballroom. The shadows in the back garden stretched ominously, and only the cold glass separated her from the old, angry energy that seemed to watch from beneath the thick canopy of roses. Red petals blanketed the grass—it looked both romantic and terrifying.

I should get over it. It can't harm me while I'm inside. I'll just pretend it's not there.

But as she walked, a slice of cold slid beneath her clothes when fog misted the glass panel in front of her. She ran the rest of the way to the ballroom, still feeling the weight of a gaze pressing against her back.