Locked Doors and Spiteful Whispers

Cleo woke up, her whole body soaked in cold sweat.

She instinctively reached up to touch her forehead, then braced herself and slowly climbed out of bed.

When she went into the bathroom to freshen up, she caught sight of her own pale face in the mirror—immediately, a heavy wave of dizziness swept over her.

Just then, a servant knocked on the door, her voice respectful and soft.

"Mrs. Vance, are yo