KNOCK. KNOCK.
Lucy frowned as she heard the knock echo softly through the quiet hallway. She had just come down from her room, dressed in her loose shorts and an oversized shirt, her feet bare against the cold marble floor. She wasn’t expecting anyone.
She tiptoed toward the door, cautious but curious, and pulled it open.
Vanessa stood outside, wearing a light green dress that flared at her knees and a small crossbody bag slung over her shoulder. Her blonde hair was curled at the ends, bouncing slightly as she tilted her head and smiled.
“Hey,” she said cheerfully.
Lucy blinked. “Vanessa?”
“Yeah. Master said I could come over,” she replied, stepping forward with ease, like she belonged. “He said I should keep you company today.”
Lucy’s brows knitted together. “He did?”
“Mhm.” Vanes
