Beauty, bloodshed, and the ghosts we never bury.

—-

Lily’s POV

“Hey… take it easy,” Alex whispered, his voice brushing against my ear like silk, too soft for the storm churning inside me.

His arm looped around my waist, grounding me just before my legs betrayed me.

I nodded—too quickly. I couldn’t speak. If I opened my mouth, I’d choke on the fear that was climbing my throat like thorns.

I turned, ready to pull him away—far away, anywhere else when that voice slithered through the air.

“Mr. Dankworth,” My whole body locked up like ice water had been poured into my spine.

I knew that voice. Too well. Too...