Emily stepped out behind Lucian, just in time to see the girl turn sharply on her heels to leave. Their gazes collided for a fleeting second; a swirl of emotions flashed across the girl's eyes before she cast them downward again.
Emily inhaled deeply, ready to let her go, but something tugged at her instinct—a subtle tremor in the girl's steps, the stiffness in her shoulders.
"Excuse me," Emily called out.
The girl froze. Her shoulders tensed, her heartbeat thudded visibly against her apron, and her gaze stayed glued to the floor as though she had some affinity with it.
Emily brushed past Lucian, but he caught her hand. She glanced back at him, gently loosening her fingers from his grip.
"Wait… just for a second," she murmured. He reluctantly let go.
She followed the girl down the corridor, away from prying eyes.
"You have something to say," Emily said as soon as they were out of earshot. Her voice was soft but firm.
