The razor sharp edge of the blade pressed against the thin silk of Clara’s dress. The cold steel bit lightly into her waist, sending a terrible shiver straight through her spine.

Victor’s face was inches away from hers, his eyes wild, bloodshot, and completely full of desperate madness. The heavy smell of cheap whiskey rolled off his breath, making her stomach turn in disgust.

"Do not test me, Clara," Victor hissed, his voice a dark, shaking whisper behind the velvet curtain. The loud music from the ballroom hummed just a few feet away, completely hiding their quiet struggle.

"Your mother was a fool, and you are just as stupid as...