Laila gazed up at the ceiling, the sheet covering her neck. Countless thoughts were consumed by fatigue and drowsiness. In no time, her eyes grew blurry, and she succumbed to sleep.

Restlessness lingered subconsciously, summoning unsettling dreams. Most were dreams of being chased. She was pursued by both humans and animals. Even entities that didn't belong in this world chased after her. She ran, only to fall off a cliff, collide with a carriage, and suddenly find her toes extinguished, sucked into some underground abyss.

"Gasp!"

Laila woke up abruptly, gasping for breath. It wasn't just a nightmare. Her body involuntarily flinched, as if it had followed her into the realm of the bad dream.

In the dimly lit room, Laila discovered a presence before her, causing her eyes to widen. A figure she never expected stood in front of her, holding a candle. It was Rose, the presence that had unsettled her throughout the day. Silver hair, brushed down in preparation for sleep, lifeless pupils above a hollowed face, and arms and legs exposed beyond the confines of her nightdress—she resembled nothing more than a lifeless corpse adorned with a shroud. Furthermore, Rose was barefoot.

"R-Rose?"

Unable to comprehend the situation, Laila called out Rose's name with a perplexed expression. A chilling shiver cooled her body beneath the covers.

It was only after some time that Laila realized the reality of the situation, prompting her to sit up abruptly.

"Shh."

Rose raised a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. As Laila closed her mouth, Rose cautiously approached her.

Soon, the candlelight illuminated Laila's face. Rose, advancing like a shadow, slowly settled on the edge of the bed. Though her presence pressed lightly, she could barely be felt, as if devoid of human essence. Moreover, her movements were so languid that they felt surreal. Laila once again wondered if this moment was another dream.

Should she cry out or speak?

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Laila was still conflicted.

With a gentle hand, Rose extended her ethereal hand toward Laila. Witnessing the bone-like fingers and long nails approaching, Laila tightly shut her eyes. Soon, the bony fingertip lightly brushed against her face. Unbeknownst to herself, Laila opened her eyes. She remained frozen, her gaze fixated solely on Rose's fingertip, straining to see.

Rose's hand ascended further, encompassing Laila's entire cheek with her palm. At the touch of the cold, rough, and arid hand, Laila trembled involuntarily.

Rose's hand, gently sweeping her cheek, rose again to caress Laila's hair. The shimmering violet eyes of Rose, though somewhat cloudy, flickered oddly when they traced Laila's face.

"Laila," whispered Rose, calling out to her with a low voice.

"Yes, yes. Please speak," Laila calmly responded, but Rose seemed unaware of what she had heard.

"Why on earth has Rose come to my room and acted in this manner towards me? What should I do?" Laila wondered.

Laila tightly held both of her hands, bracing herself for Rose's inexplicable behavior.

Rose lowered her hand and brushed Laila's palm resting on the blanket. Her slightly parted lips, as if pleased with her find, slowly curled upwards. With a seemingly hesitant motion, she tilted the candlestick she had been holding over it. Molten wax spilled onto Laila's palm.

"Ah!" Instinctively, Laila struck Rose's wrist and cried out. The fallen candlestick rolled on the floor.

Laila pushed Rose away and swiftly rose from the bed. Overwhelmed by the force, Rose stumbled backward, landing on the floor, clutching her bruised hip. Laila clenched her trembling hands and let out a scream. It was not so much from the pain and burn but from astonishment at Rose's actions. She could hardly believe what had just transpired. The vile rumors she had first heard paled in comparison to the shock she now faced.

Before long, the urgent sound of footsteps reached their ears. First to arrive was Cain, followed by Matthew, Rebecca, and even Emily, all rushing into Laila's chamber. They were dumbfounded by the scene before them.

"Laila!" Cain quickly approached, grasping her shoulders. He examined her face, as if still uncertain of what had occurred, and repeatedly inquired about her well-being.

"Laila, what happened? Are you alright?"

"R-Rose, she... spilled hot wax on my palm."

Laila held onto him tightly, trembling and quivering in response. She couldn't muster the words to assure him this time. Her legs shook so intensely that standing became arduous, and her heart raced as if it had gone mad. Everything in this house felt as though it weighed her down, pressing upon her relentlessly. Only Cain seemed to remain as her sole source of solace.