AUTHORS POV

It was as though the living things inside the Lorenzo Mansion had died. Everywhere was dead silent.

The mansion was quiet as midnight settled over the Lorenzo estate; the dogs had stopped barking, the corridors bathed in the soft glow of moonlight streaming in through windows.

Franco moved with deliberate stealth toward Regina’s door, almost like he was ghost walking, fast. He must not be seen, so he looked around every second as he walked.

His knock was light but insistent; he prayed the echoes were not loud enough to wake anybody up.

First knock. No answer.

Second.

The third.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and Regina’s...