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I lather myself with sandalwood scented soap before toweling off and slipping into some freshly laundered clothing—a perfectly worn pair of jeans, a crisp white T-shirt, and a checkered flannel that lies on the bed of the room I didn’t get to spend any time in.
As I make my way down the winding hallway, I notice a thick layer of dust on the portraits that hang throughout and cobwebs stretching across them, as if they haven’t been touched in years. The faint smell of incense clings to the air, but instead of feeling suffocated by it, I feel strangely secure.
What does it say about me that I feel at ease here?
I spot Milo from across the dimly lit theater, where the light of the screen reflects off his face like a halo. He’s surrounded by Brooklyn, two chiseled men with sharp suits, and giant ice cream sundaes. The room echoes with their genuine laughter. I feel my heart ache at the sight of him enjoying the company of strangers, so I decide to step back into the shadows and roam the hallways.
I search for the brothers first and find them in the same room. Cracking open the door an inch, I see their heads bent together. The computer screens glow blue in the otherwise dark bedroom, and the Hayes brothers are oblivious to everything around them except their screens. I stand at the top of the stairs, feeling like an intruder, lost in my thoughts.
I end up finding Desmond’s room suspiciously a few doors from mine. It’s clean, crisp, and empty. The only signs it’s his are a single picture frame of him and his brothers and a watch with his name engraved on the dresser. The oppressive silence of the wing fills me with dread, and I wish for a distraction to take me away from this moment of loneliness that seems to stretch on forever.
As I explore the endless corridors, I take in the extravagance of each room. Intricate wood carvings line the walls, and heavy velvet curtains cover the windows. An aura of mystery fills the air. I’m so occupied by my surroundings that I don’t notice my phone ringing until it buzzes with a loud vibration. I snatch it from my pocket without looking at who’s calling.
“Talk to me,” I say, settling on a window seat at the end of a hallway, captivated by the breathtaking view of leaves scattered across a small clearing that resembles a fairy ring. Memories of my mom’s belief in everything supernatural flash through my mind. We used to hike deep into the woods in search of fairy rings, but they never whisked us away to someplace magical, like this very mansion.
“Hey, slut,” Tatum greets over the line, popping her gum. “I heard you infiltrated the Black mansion. Let me in.” Static crackles over the line, making me pull the phone away for a second.
“Are you here?” I asked hopefully, my face pressed close to the window.
“Hell yeah I am. Let us in,” Tatum shouts, and I swear I can hear her from up here.
“Us?” I question cautiously.
“Bitch!” Harlow chimes in. “We want all the details.”
A genuine smile breaks across my face for the first time today. “Give me a few. This place is enormous, and I don’t know how to find the front door.”
“Yo, Dom!” Tatum shouts into the phone, not pulling it away. “Lemme in.”
“No,” is his rumbling reply, followed by, “What are you doing?”
The line goes dead.
I hope like hell that Tatum is giving him a hard time. I leap up from my seat, stealing one last glance at the enticing view, before I take off down the hall, praying I know where I’m headed.
A few wrong turns and more right turns later, I finally reach the foyer. I swing the door open, only to be met with an empty space and an overly decorated front door. A fake cobweb almost takes me out, but I slam the door shut and pivot.
The kitchen.
The foyer, though simple, exudes a unique beauty. Wooden floor planks stretch before me, leading me directly into the kitchen. As I push through the double doors, laughter and the sight of four women I didn’t even know I needed greet me.
Tatum sits on the black marble island, kicking her feet and munching on a cupcake. Jani unpacks what appears to be Halloween goodies, while Harlow and Autumn slip out of the pantry.
“You four look like you’re up to no good, and it’s only early afternoon,” I remark. The day isn’t just passing slowly, it’s dragging in a way no other day has in my life. I dislike this feeling of not knowing what to do with myself.
“Hey!” Tatum hops off the counter, skipping toward me and sweeping me into a hug. Her sharp, clean perfume tickles my nose as I inhale her.
“I needed you guys,” I whisper just for her. “How did you know?”
“Well…” Tatum pops her gum and leans back. “Rumor had it the legendary shadow got shot, and when Desmond closed the diner today, I knew you were involved.”
“Top-notch sleuthing,” I tease, making my way over to hug Jani. Her hair tries to suffocate me, but I don’t care because I’m glad they are all here.
“I forgot how beautiful this place is,” Jani whispers with awe.
“You’ve never been here before?” I frown as I pull back.
“It’s been a while.” She smiles and pulls away to roam around the kitchen, taking it all in. “I’m so happy to be here.”
