The bird, sensing it had an audience, cocked its head to one side, its gaze fixed intently on Madam Katherine's face, as if waiting for her to respond. On its leg, a small piece of paper was tied, a message waiting to be read.
Susan stepped forward, perhaps to drive the bird away or get the message, but before she could close the distance, a hand wrapped around her wrist.
"You may leave," Madam Katherine's voice was low and husky, barely above a whisper, but it was a voice nonetheless, a sound that was both unexpected and welcomed.
Susan's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to look at Madam Katherine, her gaze meeting the woman's eyes, which seemed to hold a hint of determination, a spark of life that had been absent for so long.
The hand around her wrist was cool and dry, but it held a firm grip, a gentle but insistent pressure.