Chapter 3

The hot liquid splashed right onto Stella's carefully manicured hands.

"Ah!"

Stella's shrill, piercing scream cut through the night.

She clutched her hand, hopping around in pain, her delicate face twisted into something downright terrifying.

The herbal brew was fresh off the stove, absolutely scalding.

Her hand instantly turned red and swollen, huge blisters rising rapidly.

I pretended to panic, covering my mouth and stepping back.

"Oh no!" I exclaimed. "I just lost my grip.

"Stella, are you okay? This stuff is boiling. Why didn't you warn me?

"Did you do that on purpose? Were you trying to scald me?"