e Winte

ent to the Lakeview Pavilion, my

s would be lining up to report to me, to ask for

ryl's face when she received the box-an ill-conc

I possibly presume to take her place?'" Mina mim

y. A woman who was not wicked-only naive and hungry, blinded

eading a book of poetry from my h

matriarch, Matilda, had ordered a family feast to cele

. It was a trap, but also a perfect opportun

dark gown, wearing no jewelry except for a string

ining hall, everyone

seated right next to him. The boy, Theo, was

d of the long table, a corner

I sat down with

, elaborately embroidered dress. Though the fabric and craftsmanship we

out the food, but several of them instinct

ing no reaction. This made Ber

, served with the best red wine from the cellar.

d onto Theo's plate, sp

rom the table with his greasy h

. He seemed to harbor a deep hostility toward th

ut in the eyes of a house that had never once let me forg

serve me a bowl of ho

e, Theo, sitting across the table, suddenly shot

to the table, but a large splash lande

arm. I could almost hear t

n, snatching my hand back. The skin was already an angry re

hall fell silent.

, and he shot to h

sheet, staring at m

ion, didn't look scared at all. He giggled, his face

rt felt colder than th

accident. This was p

stering hand. Then I looked at the l

raveling past them to land directly

ou brought home. This is the "