Chapter 126: Self Doubt
The bird, sensing it had an audience, cocked its head to one side, its gaze fixed intently on Madam Katherine’s face, as if waiting for her to respond. On its leg, a small piece of paper was tied, a message waiting to be read.
Susan stepped forward, perhaps to drive the bird away or get the message, but before she could close the distance, a hand wrapped around her wrist.
"You may leave," Madam Katherine’s voice was low and husky, barely above a whisper, but it was a voice nonetheless, a sound that was both unexpected and welcomed.
Susan’s eyes widened in surprise as she turned to look at Madam Katherine, her gaze meeting the woman’s eyes, which seemed to hold a hint of determination, a spark of life that had been absent for so long.
The hand around her wrist was cool and dry, but it held a firm grip, a gentle but insistent pressure.
"You may leave," Madam Katherine repeated, her voice a little stronger now, as if she was reclaiming her voice, her presence, her very self.
"Y– Yes, Madam," Susan bowed and left. But before she walked through the door, she glanced back at Madam Katherine, who was walking towards the carrier bird, and Susan’s brows furrowed slightly.
Meanwhile, Madam Katherine reached out a hand to gently stroke the bird’s feathers, her touch soft and soothing. The bird seemed to relax under her caress, its bright eyes gazing up at her with a curious intensity.
Madam Katherine’s gaze was fixed on the bird, her expression unreadable, but her fingers moved as she untied the small piece of paper from the bird’s leg.