Crimson Lullaby

Master Bedroom, Ashbourne Mansion—11:15 PM

Lenora sat on the edge of the bed, body coiled tight as a spring ready to launch. Her eyes flicked to the wall clock for the umpteenth time—the minute hand crawled agonizingly toward fifteen past eleven.

Declan hadn't returned.

He should have arrived fifteen minutes ago. Should have entered the room, changed, and prepared for bed. But the bedroom door