Delphina's slim fingers shook as she carefully poured the hot water into the fragile china cup, keeping her eyes on the delicate handle to prevent any unintended contact. 

Kaylina, her stepmother, sat elegantly on a chair with her legs crossed at the table, sipping tea and carefully watching Delphina with her piercing blue eyes.

She felt her heart drop as she hunched her shoulders from the heaviness of her stepmother's stare. Kaylina's contempt made her feel as delicate as a leaf being ...