Special Delivery

Eliana had noticed something while working in the pack house.

The other maids often watched her from a distance, their stares lingering but their words withheld. None of them seemed interested in speaking to her, which, she supposed, was for the best.

Still, the isolation stung. It had been so long since she'd had a friend her age.

One day, as she passed through the corridors, their hushed whispers reached her ears.

"She looks too good to be working here," one maid muttered.

"Almost too pretty," another agreed with a hint of disdain.

A girl with fiery red hair giggled, her voice dripping with mockery. "God, I hope she doesn't try to steal our men away."

Eliana couldn't help but roll her eyes. Are they seriously talking about me like this?