Bounded by Moonlight

eft her body aching. She could almost pretend for a moment. Act as though she was still at liberty. Act as though she hadn't simply slapped her husband and fled. But as soon as Ava's voice broke

ne appeared o

BLACKWOOD-SEARC

erstood the true meaning of this. There was a message from Damien. And what came next was not going to please her. With her heart racing, Selene quickly put on her jacket and

Nathaniel remarked, "I was hoping you'd make this difficult. A good chase is appreciated by the boss, you know" Selene made her way to the vehicle. "I wasn't running. All I needed was some time away." As if she were

them to drag her back like a defenceless prisoner. She needed to confront him. The mansion was silent inside. Too silent. Mrs. Hawthorne was standing close to the doorway, her normall

, at last- "Did you find your small act of rebellion enjoyable?" Selene balled her fists. "You're exaggerating the situation." Although Damien's lips quirked, his eyes were not amused. "You took off running." He spo

greed to." She trembled. Light, playful, and dangerous, Damien's fingers brushed her wrist as he moved closer. Then he lowered himself till his lips were just

a heaviness in the air that she was unable to describe. She heard it

was Blackwood Manor hiding something else? Selene strained her ears as she sat up in bed. She could still feel the whispers, but it had stopped. As if they were in the room, observi

up in her hand. Selene continued. "It was a whispery sound, from inside the house." Mrs. Hawthorne remained still. She just looked for a long time. Then she put the teacup down carefully. "My love, you must have been dreaming. The house creaks at night, indicating how old it is."

braced herself as his sharp gaze flicked over her. "You appear worn out," he said. "Did something keep you up last night?" Selene felt a knot in her stomach. Was she being tested by him?

never seen that door before, but she was certain she had passed this hallway before. She felt a burning curiosity. She grabbed the handle. locked. Her heartbeat acc

Hawthorne. She stirred her drink and remarked, "Earlier, I was exploring. In the ea

of them are just for keeping." Selene rejected it. She made the decision to push. "However, I thought I heard something behin

hat Damien is trying to find her. She let the maid know she had heard her by nodding. She wasn

k about." Damien's lips twisted. "Ah, but you do." His steps were measured as he approached her. "You see, Selene... This house is more than just a residence. It is a location rich in mystery and history. And a few secrets." His voice l

glance. "Selene, you're making me angry. When I ask for you again, it will be wise for you to respond." Before returning to her work, she examines him in a

he made her way to her rooming, walking as quietly as she could. Her heart began to race. She started to move quickly. They returned. Closer this time. Her heart was pounding. There was a proble

And when she opened it- She let out a gasp. Because there was a single portrait insid