Chapter 2 - The Sanctuary in the East Wing
The East Wing of the estate was entirely sealed off from the rest of the house by a reinforced security door that required a fingerprint scan.
When the heavy door clicked open, Natalie found herself in a bright, sunlit hallway painted in soft, muted tones of sage green and cream. The harsh fluorescent lights that lined the main house were absent here, replaced by warm, indirect ambient lighting that mimicked natural sunlight.
Elena stopped outside a heavy wooden door adorned with painted wooden butterflies. "Her nurses are inside. Good luck, Miss Carter."
Natalie opened the door gently.
The nursery was massive, equipped with a sensory swing, soft foam mats, a weighted blanket tent, and walls covered in velvet panels to dampen sound. But sitting in the far corner, squeezed into the tight dark space behind a tall bookshelf, was seven-year-old Ava.
Two women in crisp white nursing uniforms stood near the center of the room, looking exhausted and frustrated. On the floor lay a spilled bowl of warm oatmeal and a broken porcelain mug.
"She won't let us near her, Miss Carter," one nurse said bitterly, holding a scratched arm. "She threw the tray the moment we tried to sit her at the table."
Natalie took a slow, deep breath. She looked at the nurses, then at the terrified little girl huddled in the shadow behind the bookshelf.
"Leave us, please," Natalie said calmly.
"Mr. DeLuca instructed us to—"
"I am her primary caregiver now," Natalie interrupted, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument. "Please step outside."
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The nurses huffed, adjusting their uniforms, and walked out, clicking the heavy door shut behind them.
The moment the room was quiet, Natalie dropped her handbag on the soft rug. She didn't march over to Ava. She didn't call her name.
