Elsie’s POV

I don’t know what it was, but something didn’t feel right. The air was too still, like it was holding its breath. Mia was asleep, finally resting without tossing around, but I couldn’t relax. Madriod was outside doing... whatever it is he does when he gets all serious and mysterious.

I stayed by the window, watching the shadows. Every time the wind moved the trees, I jumped a little. Calm down, Elsie, I told myself. But then, there it was again…that feeling. Like someone was watching us.

I grabbed a dagger Madriod left on the table. He’s always saying, “Be ready for anything.” Yeah, well, here I was,...