The grandfather clock in the hall struck midnight, each chime reverberating through the silent manor. I jerked awake at the sound, momentarily disoriented from my uncomfortable position in the chair by the front door. My neck ached from the awkward angle, and I blinked rapidly, trying to clear the fog of exhaustion.
"My lady, you should rest properly." Evangeline's gentle voice broke through my haze. She stood before me with concern etched across her face, a small oil lamp in her hand casting shadows across the entryway. "It's been hours."
I straightened in my seat, wincing as my stiff muscles protested. "Has there been any word?"
Evangeline shook her head. "Nothing since the men returned without him."
