Chapter 82 - A Sister's Fate, A Duke's Vow

The night-blooming cereus sat on Clara's pillow like a beautiful, terrible accusation. Its white petals gleamed under the late afternoon light filtering through the window, a stark contrast to the dawning horror on everyone's faces.

"When did you find this?" Alaric's voice cut through the silence, sharp as a blade.

The maid trembled. "Just now, Your Grace. I swear it wasn't there when you examined the room earlier."

My heart pounded against my ribs. Someone had entered Clara's room—entered this house—while we were here. The thought made my skin crawl.

Lady Beatrix stared at the flower, her face draining of color. "What does it mean? What is happening to my daughter?"

I watched as understanding slowly dawned in her eyes, the terrible realization that Clara wasn't simply missing—she had been taken by the same monster who'd abducted those other women.

"No," she whispered, her voice breaking. "No, no, no..."