Gabriel’s POV
I didn’t like how Vivianna looked at Lucy. Like Lucy was a sweet dessert to cap off a satisfying meal. The entire time I had to resist pulling my wife over my lap to make a point. I noticed how Lucy’s cheeks flushed, her body tightening at the attention. The confusion muddled her mossy eyes like she didn’t understand why she was reacting so strongly to the Countess.
I did.
The French called it l'appel du vide, or “call of the void.” The urge to jump when you’re standing on a ledge. Darkness allures. Gazing into the abyss, even though you know you shouldn’t, it calls you to let go and let the black engulf you.
The Countess was all darkness. I could feel it. I recognized the pull. It might as well come with a big red DANGER sign. Regardless of that, she still enticed me.