After dinner, everyone returned to the living room. Maria remained seated for a few extra minutes, her heart pounding with urgency.
The information she had just gathered over dinner weighed on her chest like a secret burning to be released. She needed to pass the message to Mr. Frederick—and fast.
Moments later, she stood up from her seat and let out a tired sigh.
"I think I'll go up to bed now. I'm feeling a bit sleepy," she said, stretching slightly and blinking as though her eyes were already struggling to stay open.
Her performance earned a few chuckles from the room.
"Goodnight, dear," Luna Victoria said with a gentle smile.
"Rest well," Bernard added, watching her fondly.
Maria responded with a lazy wave and a sleepy smile, then slowly climbed the stairs, careful not to seem in a hurry. Once out of sight, her pace quickened. As soon as she entered her room, she shut the door behind her and locked it firmly.
