KATHERINE

Whatever mystery that small chest held, I would have to uncover it later.

First, because we needed to go home.

And second, because, as expected, it wouldn’t open so easily.

"Mom, is it safe to leave? The… the Lady Prescott, she’s not in the forest with her bad son, is she?" Lavinia clung nervously to my skirt, glancing toward the ruined garden and beyond the fence.

"Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m here to protect you. No one will ever harm you," Elliot answered for me, lifting her protec