"Well, well. What do we have here?"
Duchess Amara purred, releasing the maid just enough to turn and face Auriel. The maid's face turned crimson, and she stammered incoherently as she tried to excuse herself.
"G-Goddess Auriel, I-I'm sorry! I wasn't—this isn't—"
she faltered, inching away as if trying to disappear.
Duchess Amara raised a brow, her smirk widening as she placed a hand on the maid's shoulder.
"Now, now, there's no need to run off so hastily. Why don't we all calm down and enjoy the night?"
Her voice was smooth, almost predatory, as her eyes flicked back to Auriel.
"Goddess Auriel, is there something you need? Or perhaps you were just out for a walk?"
Auriel felt her stomach twist. The tension in the air was palpable, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her.
"I was just… checking on something."
She replied, keeping her tone neutral.
Duchess Amara's smile didn't waver.
