When we arrived home last night, Madame Ella had a white box bound in black ribbon waiting for me on the stoop. Inside, I found the most stunning gown—which was fortuitous considering the one I wore out already had a hole in the knee.

The buttery yellow skirts of the new gown slip like liquid over my stiff legs as I pace my uncle’s living room. Nia sits curled up on the sofa, her feet draped over the rolled pillow, tapping along to music only she can hear. Quiet conversation drifts from the kitchen where my aunt and uncle enjoy cups of peppermint tea. By the sounds of it, they’re discussing what to plant in the raised beds by the back fence.

With our bellies full of poached eggs and toast, Nia suggested we retire to the living room to relax. I’ve searched for a book that I haven’t already read, but it would seem my uncle’s small collection is the very same as my father’s.

After being cooped up in a carriage for so long yesterday, my poor legs tingle and ache from disuse. All I want is to go for a walk. Back home, I’d have at least two miles done by now. Unfortunately, today is Wednesday, and apparently Wednesdays are for hiding.

How is no one else going mad? Look at the golden light streaming through the break in the closed shutters. It’s ridiculous for everyone to remain inside simply because of a few fae using the well. We aren’t anywhere near the damn thing, yet the doors are locked, and the downstairs shutters have been pulled tight.

“You’re wearing a hole in the rug,” Nia drawls from behind her book, flipping to the next page.

That’s because I’m this close to losing my mind. “How can you stand being locked in here when the day is so fine?”

“Every day in Rosehill is fine.”

That may be so, but it doesn’t change the fact that no day should be wasted. Sitting in the dark with books we’ve both already read feels like a terrible waste. “I need to move.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“Outside.”

She finally lifts her head, her eyes as wide as they were last night when we heard that haunting howl.

“We can bring Madame Ella my other dresses.” I’ll only get away with wearing this gown so many times before Ivee comments on the lack of variety in my wardrobe.

Not that I care what she thinks. If I had my way, she wouldn’t notice me at all. Since she has noticed me, I’d prefer not to give her more fodder for her viciousness.

“Madame Ella’s and every other business is closed today.”

I give Nia’s bouncing feet a nudge, waiting until she moves them to fall beside her with a groan. “It’s nonsense.”

“It’s safe.”