Chapter 15 - 14: A Maid’s Gentle Hands
When I opened my eyes, the dim morning light filtered through the thick curtains, painting the familiar room gold. A slight burning sensation on my eyelids made me notice the tears that had dried on my skin while I slept. I wiped them away with the back of my hand, exhaling a long sigh that was lost in the silence.
"Promise..." I said to myself in a low voice.
I stood up slowly. My body still felt heavy, almost numb, as if the memory of that dream refused to let me go. I forced myself to move, letting my feet touch the carpeted floor, and crossed the room to the bathroom.
In front of the mirror, I paused and frowned slightly. I still found it hard to accept this effeminate appearance: my silver hair fell messily over my pale face, and my cold red eyes reminded me of the blood on that battlefield.
—Tch... pathetic. —I muttered, trying to swallow the knot tightening in my throat.
I showered with warm water, letting the steam fill the room, carrying away the faint scent of sweat and the weight of the previous night. When I came out, I dried my hair with a towel, adjusted my outfit—a simple black linen set—and took a deep breath, ready to face another day in this damned family.
—Knock, knock... young master, may I come in? —Alice’s voice sounded low and restrained behind the door.
—Come in. —I replied without much interest.
The door opened softly, revealing Alice in her usual immaculate uniform, her blue hair tied back in a simple bun and her face so pure that it seemed almost out of place in that gloomy mansion. She held a tray in both hands, on which rested a modest breakfast: a piece of bread still warm, a small bowl of butter and a cup of dark coffee.
When she looked at me, her expression changed immediately. Her large eyes widened slightly, tense, and her lips trembled before she tried to form a smile.