AgnesI woke up to the sensation of something small and warm nuzzled against my belly. Looking down, a small smile touched my lips.Thea.She was fast asleep, her hair a tangled mess around her face and her teddy bear squished between us. She must have crawled into bed at some point when I was recov
“Mommy, can we have waffles?” she asked by way of greeting.I chuckled, but nodded and began to pull out the ingredients. Waffles sounded good, honestly.As I worked, Thea noticed my faraway expression. “What are you thinking about?” she asked, furrowing her brow. “You look like you’re thinking a lo
AgnesThe moment Elijah stepped through the doorway, his sharp gaze scanned the disaster that Thea and I had made in the living room. Fabrics were draped across the furniture, spools of thread had rolled onto the floor, and pieces of paper with Thea’s colorful designs were scattered everywhere.His
Reluctantly, I turned and let him slip it over my arms. And as soon as he did, I felt fire run through my veins. It wasn’t from the soft fabric brushing against my skin, but rather the heat of his fingers through the material. His touch was as light as a feather, and yet it sent a bolt of electricit
AgnesMaria looked like a deer in headlights as she glanced back and forth between me and Gertrude. She clutched her book so tightly to her chest that I thought she might snap the hard cover in half completely.“W-What?” she finally blurted out, an unconvincing little smile touching her lips. She sh
The designers murmured amongst themselves, wondering what the prize could be. Meanwhile, Maria stood at the back of the group, her lips pressed into a thin, slightly worried line. I shot her a meaningful look as if to say “Don’t worry,” then glanced over at where Ava was standing.She was leaning ag
AgnesTo say that I was satisfied and relieved by Ava’s absence at work would have been putting it lightly. I was far more than satisfied. Far more than relieved.For the first time in a long time, I finally felt… free. And it showed in my work; over the remainder of the week, I developed several mo
Still, maybe pretending that she was returning was what kept me running.At least, that was until I heard it.The growl.I slowed, coming to a stop around a bend of a narrow path. “Hello? Elijah?” I called out, turning. There was no one; just towering trees and swaying ferns.Frowning, I turned to c
“Of course. The flowers, the lighting, even the table settings—it’s all beautiful.” I tilted my head, studying his expression. “Why do you look so pleased with yourself? Did you have something to do with this?”Before he could answer, Thea tugged on my dress, pointing excitedly to a group of childre
AgnesAll eyes turned toward us.I felt my face heat under their collective gaze. Looking around at the other women in attendance, I realized with a start that my gown was by far the most elaborate in the room. The structured bodice with its window to my heart, the crystal beadwork catching every fl
I looked up at him, puzzled. “Why not?”“It’s a surprise,” he said simply. “Trust me on this.”As I turned the locket in my hand, I thought I heard something rattle inside. Curious, I shook it gently, and there it was again—a tiny clinking sound, like something hidden inside.“What did you put in he
AgnesI woke to a gentle knock on my bedroom door. Blinking away sleep, I glanced at the clock. 7:30 in the morning. The gala wasn’t until later that evening, but my stomach fluttered with anticipation anyway. Today was the day I’d finally wear my creation, against all odds.“Come in,” I called out,
Eventually, Thea’s boundless energy drew her away to chase a butterfly, leaving Elijah and me sitting beneath the cherry tree. Petals drifted down around us like pale pink snow, catching in my hair and on Elijah’s shoulders. We sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching Thea run between
AgnesMy fingers trembled as I attached another crystal bead to the bodice of the gown. I’d been sewing for hours, but my mind refused to settle down no matter how much I tried. The same questions kept circling like vultures, picking at my flesh until it was raw.Could it really be true? Was Mason m
“Agnes?” Elijah squeezed my hand gently. “Are you okay? You look pale.”I forced a smile, pushing aside my suspicions for now. “I’m fine. Just shocked about the witch. And thank you, for waking me up from that nightmare. It was…” I shuddered, remembering the little skeleton in Thea’s bed. “It was ho
AgnesSunlight streamed through the bedroom window, illuminating Elijah’s dark eyes. It was morning. I was in bed, safe although terrified, and the house was just as it always was. Warm and cozy, embers still glowing in the fireplace, and not a cobweb or a skeleton to be seen.Elijah’s face hovered
Just then, a soft rustling sound came from the bed, drawing my attention. There was a small form under the covers, quivering slightly. Like she was hiding under the blankets, scared. Or maybe holding in laughter. It was hard to tell.“Thea?” I said, relief flooding through me. “You scared me, honey.