The devil's silent bride

lves had absorbed centuries of breath, prayers, and secrets. Evelyn st

g too pale to be leather, almost like... skin. The edges were darkened

ng the book on the altar. "It records every bride bou

. Blood. The pages were filled with names, each written in flawless script. Beside each was a d

ed. Chosen." He reached into his coat and drew a quill tipped with silver.

t made no sound against the cold marble floor,

y, little bride. I will guide your hand when th

tightening. She wanted to scream No, but

is is not merely a marriage. It is a sealing. You will belong to me, and I will belong to you. The mansion will protect you... as l

thin shapes with hollow eyes. Evelyn's breath caught. They weren't people. They we

only once every hundred years. Tonight it is

he took another step back-

Cold.

and stretched thin over her bones. The woman's lips moved soundlessly, her eyes wide

arpened. "She sh

n a silent scream before the shadows surged forward, wrapping around her like livin

an stepped toward her, the si

e her place in the covenant. And when