“Cordella!” I bellowed as soon as I stepped into the house. All the househelps were gathered in the main room, all shaken. They all saw what happened. They witnessed the horror.

Cordella stepped out of the shadow like she always does, but this time, she didn't have that look of confidence. This time, this smell of fear was coming off her in waves.

“I didn't do it,” she said, shaking her head, her voice breaking.

I tilted my head. “Oh? Do what, Cordella?”

“I-I don’t know, but I know you’re about to accuse me of something, but I didn't do it, Alexander.”

I had to force myself to stand still,...