The first to arrive was Lady Amelia, whose eyes widened in horror at the scene before her. Soon after came Bathsheba, and in due course, others followed.
There, upon the cold stone floor, lay Emma's lifeless body, her gown soaked in the crimson pool that had spilled from her.
At last, Aurora reached the hall, her heart hammering in her chest as dread coursed through her veins. She hesitated at the threshold, silently pleading to the heavens.
"No… please, not Emma," she murmured, her voice trembling with desperation.
The sight before her confirmed her worst fears. Overcome with grief, her knees buckled, and she sank to the ground, crawling toward Emma's motionless form. Pulling the lifeless body into her lap, Aurora's hands trembled as she caressed her face, tears spilling freely.
A silent scream echoed in her mind: Please, no… don't leave me.
