The devil's silent bride

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