I didn't know how long it would take for Mrs. Tentorville to get here, especially since Quiet had moved again. She could be helping with the pond, but I couldn't just leave Echo there petrified and bleeding all over the place, even if I could leave.

I crossed toward the winding steps in the center and started up as silently as I could. The raven sat on the banister waiting with its wing pointed at the shelf. In front of it, two large antlers speared into the air from a head I ...