Click.
The basement door was gently pushed open.
I turned my head stiffly, inch by inch.
Lucian stood in the doorway with a bag of steaming roasted chestnuts in his hand.
They were my favorite.
He was still wearing that shirt washed so many times it was nearly white, and his face carried a gentle smile that looked almost eager for praise.
But when he saw me and the glowing black laptop in front of me, the smile on his face froze.
The paper bag slipped from his hand.
Round chestnuts scattered all over the floor.
The basement went deathly silent.
"Evie..."
The obedience and timid softness on his face ebbed away like a tide.
In its place came an unnerving, absolute calm.
He slowly walked in. With his other hand, he locked the door behind him with a soft click.
"You saw everythin
