Page 14 of The House of Whispers

I remained hidden amongst the shadows of the building opposite the alleyway, closely watching her every move. Studying her as she continued moving back and forth. She appeared nervous. Almost worried.

Who are you hiding from?

“Psst!” The loud whisper broke my focus as I glanced up to see a man leaning out the window of the top floor of the brothel. The same window of the young Scaley woman whose body had been my canvas earlier in the night.

Detective Nathair. Now what’re you doing up there?

He waved to Casper, motioning for her to come closer. She quickly positioned herself beneath the window, looking up at him, waiting. Detective Nathair glanced to either side of the empty alleyway before disappearing for a brief moment. My curiosity grew as I inched closer, gripping the edge of the building.

What are you up to?

I instantly registered what was transpiring before me as Nathair began pushing a thick, rolled-up blanket through the window. The Scaley’s body. Casper’s hands glowed as she used her magik to steady the corpse as he held tight. Together, they lowered the blanket-wrapped body down from the window, past the other floors, and onto the ground below.

How disappointing.

Casper had decided to dispose of my work with another man. A small flame of anger burned deep inside as I watched the two of them work together. He was not just any man, but a detective.

Why did she trust him? What game was she playing?

My magik flickered as my body became invisible to all. I slithered closer, watching as Casper heaved the woman’s lifeless body over her shoulder with a groan. She glanced back and forth before quickly sprinting down the alleyway toward the river just south of the brothel house.

She was going to dispose of the body.

Quickly, I followed her as she hurried down the alleyway, ducking into the shadows, avoiding the occasional random, drunken stragglers as they dallied along the path. Her steps quickened as she neared the edge of the alley and approached the river, myself still shadowing her every move. Casper halted at the edge of the brick wall, slamming the woman’s body down to the ground. She then peeked around, checking to see if anyone was near. I stepped past her, glancing around, noting that it was only the two of us: death and myself, playing a very elaborate game.

Casper bent down, moving the blanket aside and revealing the Scaley’s bloodied face. Her demeanor stiffened as her gloved hand moved the fabric of the woman’s dress, exposing her chest. She pulled her knife from the sheath across her thigh and ran her fingers over something that protruded from the Scaley’s flesh. I stepped closer, noting what appeared to be a circular brand burned deep into the woman’s chest along her golden scales. It was the mark of The House of Whispers. I hadn’t noticed it before, though I was more concerned with my art than her chest.

How sloppy of me.

Casper exhaled as she pierced the deceased Scaley’s skin with her blade and began to carve away at the palm-sized brand. I slowly lowered myself, crouching across from Casper, watching as her eyes widened with each motion as she sliced the brand clean from the woman’s skin. It was invigorating to behold a master at her craft.

Such surprising precision and skill.

Her glowing eyes sparkled as she held the circular patch of skin in her palm. She raised the burned and bloody patch of flesh into the moonlight, examining the golden scales as they glistened in the night.

Yes, admire your work. It is almost as beautiful as mine.

Her eyes blinked as her persona shifted. She quickly folded the patch, stuffing it into the pocket of her jacket before covering the woman’s body with the blanket. As she rose, she sheathed her knife and sighed, closing her eyes for a moment, breathing in the cool night air.

I stood, closing the distance between us, admiring her. She was so devoted to her house. To the Whisps and that Madame of hers. Willing to risk her own life to protect them. It sickened me. Casper had such power and skill. It was wasted in The House of Whispers. Rotting on worthless bodies of lustful Johns, reckless Whisps, and her damned Madame. She deserved to be free.

Casper braced herself as she threw the woman’s body back over her shoulder and quickly ran to the railing alongside the rushing river. I remained steady by her side as she tossed the body into the moving water. The black water roared as she stared below. The wind grew, causing her wild midnight hair to streak across her ghostly face.

Oh beautiful death, I will set you free.

The fall night had turned cold as golden leaves danced in the frigid air sweeping past as I hurried back down the alleyway. An eerie feeling of being watched made the hair on my neck stand tall. My skin prickled as my eyes searched all around me. I was alone but felt as though something was following me—shadowing me. My pace quickened as I continued toward the house. I needed to return before Madame Chepi became more upset. I had disappointed her enough tonight.

As I entered the back door to the lively house, Nathair unexpectedly grabbed me. He pulled me aside, ducking into a small closet before any of the Whisps or staff could spot us. I snapped my fingers, creating a flame from my fingertip illuminating our faces in purple.

His green Scaley eyes dilated as he whispered quietly. “Did you take care of it?” He had changed from his uniform to more common clothing, blending in with the other Johns present in the house. Smart, considering Madame Chepi didn’t want cops here. The presence of a cop would only startle the Whisps and Johns.

I nodded. “The mark was removed as well.” I removed the flap of skin from my pocket, showing him.

Nathair flinched at the sight, looking away as he pushed my hand back. “Burn the mark. Get rid of any evidence you find in the room.” I closed my hand and tucked the Scaley’s brand into my pocket. Nathair relaxed as his eyes returned to me. His brows furrowed as he glanced at me. “And clean yourself. You have blood on you.” He pointed his scale-covered finger to my torso.

I glanced down, noticing small droplets of sprayed blood across my chest. I must’ve gotten the woman’s blood on me when I moved her—odd. “I’ll take care of everything. Min should stay in my room tonight—”

“I’lltake care of Min.” His words caught me off guard. “She’s coming home with me. I’ve already spoken to Madame Chepi. I’ve agreed to send my men patrolling in exchange for Min coming with me.” My head snapped back to his. Min leaving the house for the night was probably the safest thing, but I didn’t like it. Nathair lived in a small, pleasant home just outside of Bedeville—outside of Jakkal’s hunting grounds. She would be safe there, away from all this.

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