14

ELEANOR

“I shouldn't be here, in fact, I should be anywhere but here, searching for Clara," I complained to Jasmine again. Surprisingly, we were both assigned to the kitchen, making sure the dishes were clean and everything the servers needed to serve the guests easily was provided.

I should have known it was going to end in this when Zane had demanded my presence. His orders were for me to remain in the kitchen and strictly refrain from serving or interacting with any of the guests, and failure to keep to his orders would obviously result in some sort of punishment, that, in his words, would only make me wish I would be granted death instead. That had struck fear in me all day yesterday, but waking up this morning, I found it to have dissipated. If anything, I was more curious and anxious than scared at the moment.

I was restless, standing here, and mostly pretending to work all while not knowing if Clara was out there and what state she could be in. Sarah had returned last night lo