The morning after her birthday, Vanya woke late. Paddy entered with a tray of toast and tea.
"You slept through breakfast, V," she said. "Party wore you out."
Vanya sipped her tea. From the living room came the low murmur of overnight guests, already planning the day and debating who would feed Luna, the new kitten.
Theresa appeared, warm and watchful. "How are you feeling, dear?"
"Tired, but better."
"Rest, then. Paddy and I have market errands."
"Can I come?" Vanya asked.
Theresa hesitated, then nodded. "Of course."
The market was wrong. Half the stalls stood shuttered. The few vendors left whispered as they hurried their sales.
"You're telling me Loe's family vanished too?" a woman hissed.
"My mother says we should leave," another answered. "It's like what happened a decade ago."
Vanya barely listened, but Theresa's hand tightened on her arm. They cut the errands short.
"Inside, little rose," Theresa said when they reached the manor, her voice rushed.
"Are you all right?" Vanya asked.
Theresa shook her head. "Never mind. Lunch."
For the first time, Vanya noticed the iron latch and heavy barricades on the manor doors. She caught Mr. Jones and Theresa speaking in low tones, their words clipped, urgent.
Evening came with forced laughter. They played games in the living room — a distraction, Vanya realized, for all of them. Theresa's smiles did not reach her eyes. Mr. Jones checked the windows more than he joined the games.
"It's time for bed," Theresa said at last, her voice strained.
Vanya nodded, relief and unease twisting together.
Then came the knock. Soft, yet it echoed like a drum.
Theresa froze mid-step on the stairs.
Vanya rose before she could stop herself, drawn to the door. Her legs moved without permission.
"Don't, little rose," Theresa whispered, the words choking in her throat. Tears slipped down her cheeks.
Mr. Jones was gone, making his rounds. Joseph and Paddy had cleared the games. The room was too still.
The knocking grew louder, insistent. Vanya's hand trembled on the doorknob. Curiosity and dread warred in her chest. She turned the handle.
Cold night air rushed in. Vanya scanned the darkness.
And then, she saw him.