*Silas*

I didn’t even bother knocking. Why should I? Instead, I shouldered open the door, the wood splintering upon impact. It took only a moment for my eyes to adjust to the room’s dark interior. My heart was thrumming violently as I charged forward and into the next room.

Constance leaped to her feet, alarmed by my sudden entrance. She whipped her body around and now faced me. Her back was to her vanity, and I could see her hand reaching for her ivory brush, ...