KATHERINE

I took a long, hot bath after nearly frying my brain trying to memorize that strange spell. I repeated the words over and over in my mind.

They felt odd, yet at the same time, they awakened something deep and alive in my chest. I feared it and, at the same time, craved it.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I was surprised to find two maids waiting for me with a change of clothes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, tightening my robe and swiftly but discreetly walking toward the van