Desperate Measures

Clarissa wanted to demand answers, but when she saw Ophelia's face battered beyond recognition, blood streaming from her nose and mouth, all her questions died on her lips.

Despite everything, Clarissa's heart ached for Ophelia. She turned to the servants and ordered, "Help her back to her room."

After a pause, she added sternly, "Not a word about what happened today is to leave this house."

After