The last piece of log of wood in the fireplace collapsed with a soft crack as the birds chirped and stirred Ruelle awake from her sleep. She stretched her hands, her muscles loosening, and when she realised she had slept in the bed, her eyes flew open. She sat upright, her gaze sweeping the couch and then the rest of the room.
Lucian had left early, just as he always did. Once she was dressed, she left her room to meet her friends.
Ruelle had only descended two flights of stairs when she saw Caroline, standing at the next flight with her arms crossed, as though she was waiting. Upon catching sight of her, her sister stopped her. "I need to speak with you."
"I thought we agreed there was nothing left to talk about," Ruelle replied, trying to pass but Caroline only stepped into her path. "Move."
"Do you like Ezekiel?" Caroline demanded. "Are you interested in him?"
Ruelle stared at her. "He is your husband," she reminded.
