Chapter Nine

Emily didn't say a word in response to my question, instead her mouth slowly fell agape as she took a few steps backwards.

I didn't know whether it was the curious look on my face that altered my looks, but Emily's face widened in so much consternation that anyone would think she'd seen a ghost.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, moving to close the gap between us, my heart pounding in fear. I stopped and looked around, trying to see if she'd seen something else, but we were the only ones in the room.

“What is happening Emily? What is going on with you!”

“It's the question Ma'am,” she blurted, shaking her head. "No one asks that question."

"What!"

“No one even mentions that name. It is an abomination to ask about Melissa. Oh my goodness," she placed her hands on her neck and stormed her feet. "How am I sure that we are not being heard right now.”

“Is that bad? What exactly is going on?”

“For your safety, don't go around asking that name. This castle is another world on its own and eac