Chapter 4 – A Promise Remembered

“An edict?” Marcus blinked. “You want what?”

Alexander folded his arms. “Any unmarried woman who can complete the melody will be brought to court.”

“You’re launching a musical contest for a ghost?”

Alexander’s eyes narrowed. “I just need answers.”

---

Whispers spread fast.

In the kitchen, Jessica smirked. “He wants a melody? I’ll give him a symphony.”

Melodie stood frozen beside a boiling pot.

Jessica turned. “You. Come here.”

Melodie approached cautiously.

“You’ll teach me the song,” Jessica said sweetly.

Melodie’s heart dropped. “I—I can’t.”

Jessica grabbed her wrist. “Try again.”

“Why me?”

Jessica’s voice turned low. “Because if I don’t impress him, you’ll wish the dungeon had finished you.”

---

Later, in Jessica’s chambers—

“Start,” she ordered, handing over a polished reed flute.

Melodie hesitated, then placed Jessica’s fingers along the notes.

“Not there. You skipped,” Jessica snapped.