Page 10 of The House of Whispers

“Oh, do forgive me, my lady!”

I shook my wine-soaked arms, annoyed. “I assure you, I am furthest from being a lady.”

The young woman frantically tried to tidy her mess, repeating her apologies. I instantly recognized the Scaley as the smell of her fresh brand filled my nose. It was the new recruit. As if being branded like an animal wasn’t hard enough, I knew this innocent mistake would only upset Madame Chepi if she were to see the mess.

“Quickly,” I bent down, tearing the sleeve from my blouse, using it to help wipe up the spilled wine. She quickly gathered the many pieces of the shattered cup, nicking her fingers as she frantically moved, scared of what the repercussions of such a simple mistake would be. “The sooner we clean this up, the sooner you can carry on.” My eyes caught a glimpse of her brand as she moved. It was slightly swollen, raised and red against her dark skin.

“Will it be as bad as the brand?” The Scaley woman sniffled, fighting back tears.

I stopped, realizing what she meant. “If you hurry before she sees this,” I helped her to her feet, the mess cleaned, “you should be fine.” She nodded, her eyes fixated on the floor. “Did you know how things worked in this house? I mean, before you came here?” I held the woman’s hand. She nodded. “Then why choose this life, if you knew the truth?”

The Scaley yanked her hand from mine, her attitude now sour and bitter. “The price of protection is worth far more than the price of living ‘free’. This town is soaked in evil. Madame Chepi offered me a new life—a life free from begging for scraps and fighting off Others who want to beat me, rape me, or kill me. She has gifted me the ability to earn a living and flourish more than a Scaley would out in town. Same as you,Hexer.” Her golden eyes met mine. “Now, I must tend to my duties before she sees what I did.” She rushed from the room in a hurry.

“Casper, there you are!” Min fluttered down the grand mahogany stairs toward the parlor. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Well, you found me.” I raised my arms as I walked toward her, half smiling with exhaustion and annoyance.

Her face twisted with confusion at the sight of my torn, wine-stained blouse. “What happened?” She landed next to me, her delicate wings perked behind her back.

I turned, motioning to the hall opposite the room. “The new Whisp—Scaley—whoever she is, it’s no big deal. I mean, whodoesn’tlove the smell of wine in the morning?”

“I hear she’s taken up in the empty room next to yours. Madame Chepi typically favors Fairfolk, but it is nice to see she’s opening the house up as a refuge to anyone. Especially with the killer on the loose.” She turned back to me. “Did you get a chance to speak with Nathier before he left?”

I nodded.

“And?” She questioned me. I couldn’t tell her the nature of our talk.

“And I think having a policeman stationed outside might not have been the smartest thing to do. Madame Chepi isn’t happy about it.” I crossed my arms.

“I see.” Min seemed worried. “I’ll tell Nathair to stop sending someone. The last thing we want to do is upset her.” I nodded in agreement. As much as I wanted another body to help keep a lookout, we couldn’t risk angering Madame Chepi. Or have the police finding out what all really went on in The House of Whispers.

I patted Min’s arm. “I’m going to clean up and change before the house opens for the day.”

She fluttered her wings, flashed me a sweet smile, and began to fly toward the back hall of the house.

“Oh, Min,” I called and she turned, “be careful with Nathier staying the night. Madame Chepi isn’t too fond of the idea of services being exchanged for free. At least, not under her roof. I know you and Nathair are in love, but find a better way to be together. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” I narrowed my gaze. “She won’t hesitate to sell you too, even if it’s against what you wish.” The color drained from Min’s face as she nodded and left the room in a hurry. She needed to be careful. We were lucky to live in the house and not work as Whisps. The only thing keeping Min from selling her body was Madame Chepi’s control of me and my dark magik. A trade I made long ago—my dark magik in return for Min’s safety. A trade I didn’t regret making as long as it meant keeping Min safe and free from a life as a Whisp.

I glanced down at my torn, wine-stained blouse, irritated.At least it’s not blood.

Not yet.

I stumbled, thrown by the sudden echo of his voice in my head. Looking around the empty parlor, I frantically searched for him, but I was all alone. I climbed the stairs, making my way to my room.

How could his voice be taunting me?

I tossed the wine-stained blouse into the nearby laundry basket for Min to handle as I stared at my reflection in the large cracked mirror of my room before I dressed for the next shift. A black silky blouse and velvet, tailored vest covered my torso. Tight, black leather pants fit like a second skin, the buckled harness around my thigh holding my knife in its sheath. My glove covered hands tucked my long black hair behind my ears as I continued to stare at my distorted reflection.Time to work.

I made my way out of the room, down the stairs, to the main parlor of the brothel. The house had woken for the day, Johns already flocking through the doors. A few of the Whisps were fluttering about, their wings buzzing as they laughed and started their routine of pouring wine and giggling at the Johns. I observed the room, eyeing each man as he enjoyed himself, falling for the ridiculous facade. Men were such ignorant fools.

Madame Chepi strolled through the room, smiling at her working Whisps. She nodded to me as she passed by the stairs, an eerie shadow trailing behind her as she moved.

My feet stepped quietly through the room, carrying me to a dark corner of the opposite end near the bar. I leaned back into the darkness against the wall and watched from the shadows, my eyes glowing. The front doors of the brothel opened, sending a blinding burst of light from the busy street outside, as a man entered. He stepped past the bar in my direction. My eyes squinted, adjusting as the light from outside faded away with the doors shutting. My face fell at the recognition of the man. He stopped, locking eyes with me and smiled.

“Good day, Casper.” The tall man removed his hat, revealing his rust-colored hair as he offered a casual bow. His dual-colored eyes flickered as they fixated on me. His handlebar mustache moved with his lips as his smile grew.

“How-how are you—”

“What’s wrong?” The man cut my words short. “Cat got your tongue?” He raised an eyebrow.

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