(Ruby's POV)
The rain was still falling when I woke up.
Not the gentle drizzle from last night, but a steady, persistent downpour that drummed against the windows and blurred the world beyond the glass. The sky was gray, heavy, pressing down on the manor like a weight.
Nicholas was already awake. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his back to me, his shoulders tense. He had his phone in his hand, and he was staring at it without really seeing it.
"Nicholas?"
He turned. His face was tired, but his eyes were soft.
"Good morning."
"What time is it?"
"Almost nine. You slept late."
I sat up, pushing the hair out of my face. "I didn't mean to."
"You needed it." He set the phone on the nightstand and turned to face me. "Mrs. MacLeod brought up tea. It's on the table."
I looked at the small table by the window. A tray sat there with a teapot, two cups, and a plate of biscuits. Steam rose from the spout.
"You should have woken me."
