Lillian stepped forward, about to touch Clara as she spoke.

Matthew raised his hand, subtly positioning himself between the two and blocking Lillian from getting any closer.

"She is the one I invited," Matthew said condescendingly, not even deigning to glance at her, his voice cold.

Lillian felt a chill as she looked up to see only Matthew's chiseled chin. She tried to find a pair of bright eyes in the endless abyss, but she failed.

Matthew was so close, his breath ...