Chapter 57

“Stay here,” he ordered. “I’ll see who it is and send them away. I want to know more about what I can expect. Papa tells me I have time and to spare to learn these things, but…”

The knocking became more impatient. He left the room, and in spite of his words, I followed him, making sure I stayed in the shadows.

He opened the door. “Yes? Oh! Please, enter, Maiestate!”

The angle of the door blocked my vision, but Cezar sounded honored to see him.

And then the visitor stepped further into the room. A cape hung from his shoulders, but I couldn’t make out his features. It was as if his face was hidden by a perpetual shadow.

My insides turned to water. I didn’t question how I knew things were about to make that left turn into bad with a vengeance—I just did. This…whatever it was that had entered Cezar’s home was pure evil. By the time the kid realized he was in trouble, it would be too late. I wanted to grab him and drag him out of harm’s way.

But of course I couldn’t.