The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 33

"Water alone will not wash it away. Come back," Lucia called out.

Celia had no choice but to retrace her steps.

"Hold out your hand."

Celia extended her right hand, watching her mistress in sheer confusion.

Lucia gently placed her own hand over Celia's.

A sudden, icy chill seeped into Celia's skin.

Lucia pulled back her hand and gave a light, sweeping wave over it.

Celia stared at her hand, her pupils shrinking in horror. Right before her eyes, a layer of dark, ashen grit slowly materialized over her palm and fingers.

It looked as though she had plunged her hand into soot from a hearth.

But her hand had been perfectly clean only moments before!

She had just watched the sickening black ash ooze straight out of her pores!

"Steep some mugwort and sage in water. Wash your hand in it three times," Lucia ordered.

Celia immediately spun around and sprinted out the door.

She was in such a frantic rush that she nearly collided with Celeste in the threshold.

"Celia, what has gotten into you?" Celeste jumped back in surprise. Matron Cecily had trained them never to act so recklessly. What was wrong with her?

Then she noticed Celia's raised hand. "Why are your hands so filthy?"

Celia's voice trembled. "I—I need to wash!"

She held her hand up defensively. If she didn't scrub this filth off right now, she wouldn't be able to function!

Watching her scurry away in a panic, Celeste stepped into the room, thoroughly bewildered.

"Lady Lucia, Celia is—"

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