Evangeline's gaze darted between her mother and her grandfather, both of whom were staring at her with shifting skepticism. She looked back toward the end of the table. The old woman was still there, her mocking smile never fading.
Evangeline waved her hand lazily at the empty space. "Mom, seriously, is this your idea of a joke? I understand your family is entirely out of their minds, but this is pushing it. She is sitting right there."
The moment Evangeline raised her finger to point directly at her, the image shattered. The ornate glass chair was completely vacant. The pristine surface reflected nothing but the cold, clinical light of the chandelier.
Evangeline blinked, her finger still frozen in the air as she scanned the empty corner. "Damn it... where did she go?"
Carlos let out a dry, raspy chuckle, adjusting his grip on his cane. "It seems you managed to breed a daughter who is not only lacking in manners, Rivina, but entirely losing her mind as well."
