“Why is Sophie saying she has to leave?” I answered, my voice beginning to sound confused. Claire’s eyes narrowed as her jaw tightened. “Take her to her chamber. “Now, Simon!”
Sophie’s little hands were grabbing my shirt, as if I were the only thing holding her in check. I tried to calm the dread I could sense pulsating from her by softly rubbing her back.
“Go play for a while, sweetie. Proceed to your room. We can eat supper together when I come collect you shortly.”
She paused, and I could feel her pulse pounding through my shirt. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, but her actions were hesitant and delayed. She glanced anxiously back.
At us as she went down the hall, then entered her room and gently closed the door. Claire’s voice pierced the quiet like a dagger as soon as her door snapped shut.
