228 Scent of hers

Music Recommendation: Le Cygne - Camille Saint

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Emily and the rest of the party returned to the castle after concluding their business with Mr. Hatt and his assistant. Her mother appeared as gloomy as the clouds in the sky, and she blamed it on the fatigue from the journey before heading to a room that Lauren had prepared. 

Emily stood in front of a window, gazing out at the turbulent sea, and her eyes fell on Raylen's reflection that appeared on the glass. 

"You look worn out. Did Marshall's ghost come to haunt you?" Raylen joked. 

"Sort of," Emily replied with a sigh, and she turned to look at him. His coat had been removed, and he had rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt to his elbows. "Viktor sent my mother here." 

"Westley informed me," Raylen replied. "You don't seem too happy with her presence here." 

"No. It's not like that," Emily replied a bit too quickly, causing him to grin.