The scream died almost immediately, her heart was pounding in her chest.

Sir Michel had all but destroyed what little courage and force of will she had, therefore she moved to close the window and return to bed. She could always try to persuade herself that the scream was a wild animal in the woods that surrounded the rear of the gardens and not that of another human being.

Her hand reached for the handle of the window latch, her fingers curling over the iron form. Just as she turned the handle to close the window the scream sounded again, longer this time.

A scream full of pain, helplessness and solitude.

Letting her hand fall away from the window she crossed the room and walked out onto the upper hallway. She had to see if she could help whomever was making the pitiful noise.