Page 8 of The Beast of Ashwood Manor

I came up behind him. “No,monsters.”

He turned around, startled, and looked up at me. He was shorter than me by at least eight inches.

“Don’t sneak up on me,” he retorted, moving away.

“Sorry.”

“Do I stay in here, then?” he asked.

“Yes. I have enough rooms. This one hasn’t been used in a while.”

Cale looked around, then said, “Do you expect me to work like your servants?”

I cocked my head. “I don’t have servants here.”

“Oh, no? What do you call all those people downstairs?” His brow wrinkled.

“They all clean the house, despite my apathy to whether it’s clean or not. I don’t ask them to. They just do it.”

“They call you ‘lord.’”

I shrugged. “That’s their choice. You have one too.”

He opened his mouth but looked down. Then he glanced at the window again. This worried me. “You must swear to me that you won’t try to leave again,” I said.

Cale whipped his head around. “I won’t.” But there was something in his mischievous eyes that told me otherwise.

He doesn’t believe the things I’ve told him. He still thinks he’s dreaming. I’m going to have to keep an eye on him.

“I’m going to have some food brought up for you. I don’t suggest leaving the room unless you’re ready to venture out and explore.” I turned for the door. When I opened it, I glanced back at him, awaiting his reply, but he only stared out the window.

I left the room. Looking down the hallway, I considered going back in, only to make sure he didn’t try to escape.

Cale.Strange name. Perhaps he could be the one to . . .

I shook my head before the thought could take hold in my mind.No, he will try to find a way to stab me in the back too.

Leaving the door, I made my way to the kitchen, where I found Natalie and Royce busy preparing supper. The aroma of vegetable soup, a favorite around here, swirled around me warmly.

“I need a bowl made for the newcomer,” I started.

“Sure,” Royce said. “Give me about ten minutes.”

“Natalie can take it up to him.”

“Wouldn’t you rather do it?” she retorted. “He’syournew guest, after all.”

When I glared at her, she sighed and shook her head. I didn’t give either of them a chance to say any more and turned, making my way back to the stairs. I spotted Mary in the foyer, looking out the window.

Narrowing my eyes, I asked her, “What’s wrong?”

She jerked back and made her way to me. “The realm is unsettled since Cale has come.”

I sighed heavily, not wanting to hear her banter about feelings and premonitions. “The realm is always unsettled,” I responded.

“But this time, it feels different, as if it knows someone new is here.” She looked at the door, twisting her fingers.

“Right.” I cleared my throat and looked down, avoiding her eyes. She looked too much like her mother with her dark hair, dark eyes, and tiny frame, and it pained me. “Keep an eye on Cale, then. If he tries to leave, come and get me.”

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