Third Person's POV
Elena dropped her phone on the bedside table after reading Agnes' message. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but the memories of the dream stayed in her mind.
Why couldn't Hazel recognize her?
What did the dream mean?
Why were the people knitting in the cold like nothing was wrong?
She turned on the bed, her thoughts running in circles, and before she knew it, the clock struck 6:00 AM.
She sat up, scratched her neck, yawned, and slowly got out of bed.
****
THE BIRCH'S MANSION STUDY, 7:45 AM
Seraphina sat at the study table, dressed in a white gown with silver trimmings. She wore silver earrings and a matching necklace. Behind her were shelves filled with books of different kinds.
She sipped coffee slowly from a teacup. She looked calm, almost like a painting.
There was a soft knock on the door.
Her expression changed for a moment, something darker flashing across her face, but it quickly disappeared.
"Enter," she said sweetly.
The door opened, and Donald walked in with a woman dressed in a black suit skirt, her hair tied in a bun.
"Good morning, mistress," Donald said, bowing low.
Seraphina did not respond. She continued sipping her coffee.
Donald hesitated. Sweat formed on his forehead and slowly ran down his face.
"Miss…" he called again, his voice shaking.
"What is it?" Seraphina finally asked.
He lifted his head slightly, then quickly lowered it again.
"I received news from the hospital where Lady Hazel was admitted… She has woken up from a coma."
Silence filled the room.
Donald's body began to shake.
Suddenly, the teacup shattered across the room.
Donald fell to the ground in fear.
Seraphina stood up slowly and walked toward him. She bent down to his level.
"I gave you one job, and you did it poorly," she said calmly.
"I… I received another report… Lady Hazel has amnesia…" Donald stammered.
Before he could finish, Seraphina grabbed him by the tie.
He looked into her violet eyes, and his body gave in to fear. He lost control of himself, trembling as tears ran down his face.
"I told you I wanted her dead, Donald. Didn't I?" she asked softly.
"You did, mistress," he replied between sobs.
Seraphina sighed.
"I'll give you one more chance. Kill her."
Donald nodded quickly. The moment she released his tie, he scrambled up and ran out of the room.
Seraphina straightened and turned to the woman who had been watching quietly.
"Crayon," she called.
"Greetings, mistress. Miss Elena is awake."
"I'll go tell her the good news," Seraphina said.
****
THE BIRCH'S DINING AREA, 8:10 AM
Elena sat at the dining table wearing a simple floral green dress a maid had given her so she wouldn't have to repeat her clothes.
A plate of fruits and cereals was placed in front of her, but she ate slowly, her thoughts fixed on Hazel.
Footsteps approached, but she didn't notice.
Seraphina walked up behind her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Elena looked up.
"Guess what, Elena?" Seraphina asked with a smile.
"What?" Elena replied, her heart beating faster.
"The hospital just called. Hazel is awake."
Elena's fear melted into relief. Tears filled her eyes.
She stood up and hugged Seraphina tightly.
"I'm so happy Hazel's okay," she said.
Seraphina paused for a moment, surprised, then slowly wrapped her arms around Elena.
"Me too," she said.
The gentle look on her face slowly changed into something darker.