ble. She wanted to scream, to demand answers, but the silence inside her

he crossed the room, the crimson mask catching the flicker of candlelight. It wasn't just a mask-it was carved w

et drawl, "how much beauty there is in silenc

ough studying a rare animal. "Your voice is safe,

to her throat, then to him, silentl

e, but something more dangerous. "I d

ho

retching into corners like living things. For the first time, she noticed a low hum

wall. His gloved hand rose, hovering near her face, but not touching. "Fear s

when she glanced toward the door, it was cl

esn't let anyone leave until it choo

ion. He wasn't threatening her out of cruelty. He was s

t," he said, "under the blood moon, you will stand beside me, and this house will

d to ask The last what? but her

s. "The last bride. The final link in a c

room, even when he wasn't moving. And then, in a strange, almost te

"You should see where

ck of her mind-urged her to follow. As though a thread invisible

ling... but her f