Fear crept closer.

The storm carried by this ill-fated connection pressed heavily on Shartia’s chest, its intensity growing with each passing second.

"..."

Her brother, who had barged in unannounced, spoke to her with outrageous audacity.

"Shartia. Punish that insolent maid yourself."
"...Yes."
"If you don’t handle it properly, I’ll do it myself. You know what that means, don’t you?"
—Nod.
"Good. I hear you’ve been doing well lately."
"..." "I also heard that our eldest brother caused some trouble."

He was trying to appeal to her for help.

His words were wrapped in a …