Countryside fades into village as I enter Grimdale. My map blinks neon colours at me, directing me to the meeting place beside the old Victorian graveyard. I’m pulling into the parking lot with two minutes to spare when my phone beeps. A voice message from Winnie.
I hit the button to listen.
“Gideon, are you at Sanctus? Arabella was supposed to hang out at Black Crag with me, Celeste and Dora, but she sent this odd message saying that we were supposed to come to her house to help her with the program, but she’s decided to do it herself instead. None of that’s true. I wondered if she’s fobbing us off to hang out with you. Are you two back together? Have you given her so many bloodsinthes that she can’t concoct a decent lie? Call me back when you get this.”
I listen to the message again, trying to understand. Why would Arabella tell her friends not to come over when she’d already made plans to see them?
Unless… is she sneaking off for an amorous liaison with some hot, eligible Upyr she hasn’t told her friends about? Someone rich and connected whodoesn’tbreak her heart and steal from her and—
Wait a second.
My fingers tremble as I dial Winnie. The moment she picks up, I blurt out, “Tell me exactly what Arabella said.”
“Gideon?” Winnie laughs. “Good. Maybe you can tell Alaric that he absolutely shouldn’t join Celeste on one of her fossil-hunting expeditions. The last thing this castle needs is an entire wing filled with Alaric’s interesting rocks—”
“Winnie, this is important. I need you to repeat exactly what Arabella said.”
“Hang on, I’ll play you the message.”
Arabella’s sultry voice plays through the phone. The sound of it clenches my heart.
“Hello, ladies. I know you were all coming over tonight to help me organise the program for the variety show. But I’ve decided to do it on my own. That’s the only way it will be done right. I’ll see you all at the next book club meeting, okay?”
Oh no.
“Winnie,” I hiss. “Arabella’s in trouble. Don’t you see? Arabella says that she asked you all to help her. But when has Arabellaeverasked for help? She wouldnever. She has to do everything herself because it’s the only way she feels safe.” I close my eyes, trying to force down the panic. “She’s trying to tell us that she needs help.”
The Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven Group Chat
Beth:I’m at a yoga retreat in Grimdale and I just got this odd message from Arabella.
Maisie:Me too. Apparently, we were all supposed to be helping her with the variety show tonight?
Winnie:I just spoke to Gideon. He thinks she’s in trouble.
Dora:She’s in trouble. I see her. She’s lying on the floor, covered in her own blood. And there’s a scarred monster. We have to get over there. Now.
Celeste:Me, Dora and Winnie are at Black Crag. Reginald’s at his classic car club, so we’re waiting for an Uber. Alaric’s already left. Is anyone else closer?
Maisie:I’m working late at the Gazette offices, but it doesn’t matter. We’re humans. They won’t let us in the gates, and Gideon is off on some ridiculous secret mission…
Komal:We have to try! Mina, get Morrie’s lock-picking kit.
Mina:Morrie’s away down in London at a chess championship!
Celeste:Everyone – get to Sanctus. Don’t go to the front gates. Meet around the side, near the entrance to Baylor’s property. I have a way in…
52
Arabella
“DO YOU LIKE MY PRETTY BLADE, sweet Arabella?” Lord Astor grins, that horrific scar splitting across his face as he drags the point of a knife along my cheek, opening a long, stinging wound dangerously close to my eye. “I thought it appropriate, seeing as how you used one on me. Shall I take your eyes first? But then you won’t be able to see what I’m going to do to you. If you tell me where you’re hiding my necklace, I could let you wear it for a few moments to heal your pretty face before I destroy it again and again. I know it’s close. I cansmellit…”
I scream as he digs his finger into the cut, prising it apart to soak his scarred digit in my blood. He pops his finger into his mouth, his tongue smacking against his ruined lips as he sucks it dry. “You areexquisite. I’m going to enjoy drinking every last drop of you. My revenge couldn’t have been more perfect. The Sanctus vampires will think you’re another victim of the husker. Meanwhile, I will introduce myself as your sire – long estranged, deeply beloved by you, and rightful heir to your fortune and the entire Sanctus Estate. Sinead has it all planned. Within a week of your body being discovered, your house and fortune and legitimacy will belong to me.”
Thebastard.
I am in such terrible pain, but I am getting angry now.
