The man standing behind Abby had one slender hand resting on her shoulder. As smooth and flawless as his features were, Hettie sensed he was older than he appeared. His blond curls made a soft halo around an angular face. His skin was so fine and thin she could see the blood pumping through the blue veins standing out on his neck.
His all-black eyes shone with satisfaction, and his red lips curved up. “Hello, Hettie.”
His mellifluous voice sent shivers along her spine. She ground her teeth together to suppress her trembling. “Who are you?”
“I’m a friend of your sister’s. You can call me Zavi. Abigail, won’t you say hello?”
Abby lifted a limp hand. Something was terribly wrong. Her eyes were vacant, lifeless. She wasn’t looking at Hettie at all.
“This … this isn’t real.” Hettie squeeze
