Shattered Facade

"I deserve death! I only meant to take Lucky to play on the rockery, but he fell into a crevice. Afraid of punishment, I dared not tell the truth." Ruby finished speaking, cowering slightly as she turned to look at Ophelia.

Her voice trembling with desperation, Ruby pleaded, "Miss Ashbourne, please don't abandon me..."

The cup slipped from Ophelia's grasp, shattering into pieces as it hit the floo