Veil Of Ashes

s between Lillian and Elias' fiancée was undeniable, and the date-1923-sent a shiver down her spine. She turned

met at the engagement party coul

er head. But the gnawing anxiety

gh records and publications, piecing together the Aureum Theater's bleak past. It didn't take long to discover th

t missing on her wedding day, and her body was never found. The theater remained clos

er on ambitious, bright women-planners, performers, and fiancées-who had be

a file full of copies and a

istorian famed for his knowledge of urban legends. His mo

ome. He sat back in his chair, his brow furrowed. "That establishment

dward and Lillian on the ta

t is Lillian Duvall. She dis

plained, her voice shaking.

ound diary. "This belonged to one of the Duvall family's servants," he told

e "darkness" that appeared to permeate the room. The Duvalls believed they could harness the

e turned the pages. "And

key. The individuals who established the rite

ater late one night. The big old structure loomed in the dark

ched the journal closely as she approached the s

n her spine. Whispers permeated the air, faint but beco

e spott

lit by a faint, ghostly radiance. Her gaze fixed on Li

the apparition whispered, her vo

. "Who are you?" "Wha

t tilted her head, as if pitying her.

ed, moving closer. "

almost sorrowful. "He wants to e

ing the photos, notebook, and archival copies. He hardly

e said, her voice

ipped over the pages. "You shouldn'

"You have been lying to me since

don't understand," he continued, his voice full with

ar

e?" What about the rituals? "How can

ldn't quite describe-regret, desperation, and dread. "The

h caught.

nd the positive in everything, even when you shouldn't

ing. "You used me," she muttered. "You b

lained, his voice breaking. "Bu

d straight. "If you believe I am going to be your sacr

h a plea she couldn't ignore. Lila, please. I will defend you. Please