Ultimately, after what we had to endure in the village, I continued to think about it for some time. These thoughts lingered in my head, swirling around like annoying flies, and I couldn't get rid of them.
These thoughts haunted me every step of the way as we walked along the road, and even when the outline of the count's estate appeared in the distance. Only when we finally reached its gates did I feel the weight lift slightly from my shoulders.
When we arrived at our destination, I finally had to pull myself together. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the trembling in my hands and banish all the dark images from my mind.
"Auntie, are you feeling all right?" Ruby asked me anxiously, taking my hand. Her voice was quiet, and there was real concern in it.
