Bitter Medicine

Ashbourne Mansion—East Wing Guest Room, Morning

Lenora sat on the edge of the bed with a posture that appeared calm—straight back, hands folded in lap, face without expression. But her fingers gripped each other tightly, knuckles white. Tension flowed beneath the surface of forced calm.

In the corner of the room, Tessa stood with trembling hands. Her face was pale, eyes constantly glancing at the