Page 27 of Midnight Whispers

He slides out of the bench, and I follow suit. Without preamble, he takes my hand to lead me through the manor. I’m surprised by how natural it feels, how normal, and how good.

He leads me around, and once again I lose my sense of direction in this monstrous place. I spare glances at the expensive art that looks as if it’s been here for centuries, the soaring ceilings, and the arched and intricate windows that the light has trouble penetrating.

We pass a set of double doors that sit wide open, and I gasp when I see what’s inside and stop in the doorway.

Nero’s hand drops and gestures toward the doors. “Did you want to see the ballroom? It never gets used. Back when my parents were alive, my brothers tell me they’d have parties in there, but I don’t remember.”

“Do you mind?” I take a hesitant step forward.

“Of course not. Come on.” He walks into the room, and I follow.

My gaze bounces around, finding it difficult to take in all the grandeur. Stone columns flank each side, and once I pass them, I’m on the dance floor. The other side of the columns must be where people chat and sip their drinks during a party. Above me, the ceiling must be forty or fifty feet high and has painted motifs in each section. It reminds me of something you’d see in Europe from centuries past. Enormous glass chandeliers line the space, though they’re not lit. Light filters in through the huge windows on the far side of the columns.

I circle around, twirling with my arms out. “This is magnificent. I can’t imagine what it would be like to dance in here.”

I stop spinning, almost giddy, and look at Nero. His head is tilted, and he’s studying me.

“I’m going to guess that you enjoy dancing?”

My cheeks heat from not playing it cool. “I used to dance before my dad passed. After that, my stepmother wouldn’t let me. I loved it though.”

“You miss it.” He steps toward me.

I try to fight my frown, but I do. “That’s just one of many things I miss.”

“You’re welcome to use this space any time you like. Despite it never being used, the sound system has been kept up to date. You can just plug your phone in and play whatever you want. It’s all over in that corner.” He gestures behind me with his arm.

“Maybe.” The urge to rush over and put something on for me to dance to, just for me and no one else, is fierce inside me. It’s a stark reminder of everything Louise has taken from me over the years. With one last look around the space, I turn to Nero. “Now, what did you want to show me?”

He takes my hand, warmth spreading up my arm, and we leave the ballroom. “I don’t think it’s going to impress you quite as much as the ballroom just did.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure you’re wrong. This entire place is impressive.”

We walk for another minute or so before Nero leads me into a room, closing the door behind us.

“This is my aviary,” he says with pride in his voice.

The room is almost all glass walls with arched windows that match the architecture of the house. There are plants everywhere and perches set up for the host of birds. Their chirping fills the space.

“Wow, how many birds are in here?” I gaze at the glass ceiling and spot birds flying around.

Suddenly, a bird flies out of a nearby tree and lands on my shoulder.

I freeze, eyes wide and beseeching. “What do I do?”

Nero chuckles. “Nothing, just relax.”

Slowly I relax my shoulders, and they drop.

“He likes you,” Nero says. “He usually comes to me.”

I turn my head and see that the bird is mostly blue with a reddish-brown breast. “He’s really pretty.”

“That’s the Eastern Bluebird.” He smiles.

“Are they all this friendly?”

He chuckles and steps forward with his arm out. “Come on, buddy, I think you’re freaking poor Cinder out.”

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