Unedited*
The night in Ashford City seemed to go on forever.
The usually colorful and lively city was deathly quiet tonight, almost as if the entire population knew something was wrong. Even the birds were silent; not even the animals made a sound.
At Ashford Manor.
Theodore Ashford was still working late into the night.
His wife entered the room. "My love, you should rest. You've been working so hard lately," she said as she brought him a soothing cup of tea to the table.
Theodore, looking exhausted with a face swollen from fatigue and lack of sleep, smiled and drank the tea in one gulp.
"Stepping up to lead the family when things go wrong is what has brought us success for 200 years. I can't just falter when our territory needs us," he replied with a gentle, loving smile toward his wife.
"I understand that." She nodded repeatedly. "But still… if something were to happen to you, what would become of the family? Think of our daughter—she hasn't even gotten married yet."
