“Lenore screams,” it mumbled. “Master scolds. Master scolds Poe.”
Sylum’s jaw tightened. “Enough.”
The bird ruffled its feathers, muttered something unintelligible, and fell silent.
I stood trembling, clutching the bedpost for balance as Sylum crossed the room to me. His expression softened when he saw my face. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
I shook my head, unable to speak.
He stepped closer, placing his hands gently on my arms. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I should have warned you about him. He’s harmless… mostly.”
“Harmless?” I managed. “He came out of the wall!”
At that, the raven let out a throaty chuckle. “Who dares insult us with this blasphemous mockery?!”
Sylum shot him a look, and the bird hopped back, sulking.
“He was my father’s and unfortunately, a part of my inheritance,” he explained softly, then shot the bird a narrowed eyed gaze. “A gift from an eccentric friend obsessed with poetry.”
Poe clicked his beak. “Nevermore. Nevermore! Oh my dear Lenore!”
Sylum sighed. “Ignore him. He’s dramatic.”
Despite the trembling in my chest, I almost laughed. “He’stalking, Sylum.”
He smiled faintly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Yes. He does that. Mostly nonsense, but he’s memorized some lines of poetry and other tales my father read to him."
For a moment, the tension eased, and his thumb lingered against my cheek. Then, seeing my pallor, he said, “You’re shaking.”
“I thought…” My voice faltered. “Nothing, he just startled me.”
I looked toward the panel Poe had emerged from. “What is that?”
His expression changed, something flaring behind his eyes before he masked it. “Just old tunnels. They’re not safe, but Poe doesn’t seem to heed my warnings.”
You’re safe,” he said firmly. “He won’t bother you again. I promise.”
Poe tilted his head, muttering softly, “Promises, promises. Broken promises.”
“Enough, Poe.”
The bird ruffled his wings but obeyed, retreating into the shadows of the rafters.
Sylum drew me into his arms, my head resting against his chest. His warmth steadied me, though I could still hear the faint rustle of feathers in the dark.
“You must be starving,” he murmured. “Supper should be ready soon.”
He pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead before stepping back. Holding his arm out, he called Poe to him. The bird hesitated, bobbing his head up and down before fluttering to Sylum’s shoulder.
“I’ll give you some privacy to freshen up.” With that, he turned to leave, Poe’s claws digging into his coat as if it were the most natural perch in the world.
But just as he crossed the threshold, I could have sworn I heard Poe whisper, low and singsong:
“Two shadows. One bone.”
I stood there for a long moment, staring at the closed door.
Chapter 5
