The words hung heavy in the room.
Evelyn lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly. She didn't have to be told what would happen if she failed. She had lived enough nightmares to recognize the warning without it being spoken aloud.
Nora leaned back again, her voice taking on a deceptively casual tone.
"For now, eat. Wash up properly and rest. Tonight, you'll meet your family. I must remind you that You must behave. Especially in front of Eva. this could be your last chance."
Evelyn dared a glance up at her. "Eva Spencer?" she echoed, her voice full of barely-suppressed dread.
Nora's smile returned soft and dangerous.
"So you do know here? And here I thought that you are all ignorant!" she said simply. "Yes, she is the only one worth meeting in that family. Or do you want to meet your father?"
Evelyn paled, her knees almost buckling, but she caught herself at the last second.
Nora stood, the chair scraping softly against the floor as she pushed it back.
