Page 72 of The Whispering Night
Mist retreats from Jay as fast as it erupted, sucking inward until only a massive white wolf remains. He looks at Winnie with silver eyes.“Run,”she screams at him.“Run!”But the Whisperer eats everything, even her voice.
So Winnie shoves at Jay, her skin so electrified she can’t feel his shining fur or canine muscles. Sheshoves,and then she uses that momentum to carry herself forward too. They will follow the spidrin. She and Jay will get out of this gallery before the Whisperer can destroy them.
Jay isn’t following, though. He has turned away from Winnie to face the smeared distortion of thefamesspell. His hackles are raised as if he’s growling, as if he plans to fight this thing that cannot be defeated.
Winnie skitters to a halt, ready to surge back after him, except now L.A. Saturday has arrived. Her zombie nurse costume is torn and tangled, while her face is reddened with exertion and her eyes are hollowed out by fear. Winnie sees her mouth move, shaping words that might beCome on, Midnight Crown!
Now here is Bretta too, lurching in. Each girl grabs one of Winnie’s arms, and Winnie has no choice but to be towed along, just as Jay towedher earlier. Except sheletJay pull her, and she doesnotlet Bretta or L.A. They don’t understand what is happening; Winnie can’t let the Whisperer have Jay.
She screams and fights, but now there are more Luminaries grabbing her. Trevor. Emma. Katie with a gash across her brow. And there’s Erica too.Erica will understand, Erica will listen.
“Jay!” Winnie screams, still fighting.“Jay is back there!”
They are halfway through the rotunda when she feels it.
The quiet sating of the Whisperer.
And the silencing of the wolf that filled its belly.
WINNIE’S SCHEDULE FOR THE NIGHTMARE MASQUERADE
TUESDAY
8A.M.: Tuesday Olympics All-Terrain 10K
• Winnie is expected at the Tuesday estate—participation optional. Dress is sportswear, if you decide to join.
• Winnie will fire the starter gun along with Jeremiah Tuesday.
9A.M.: Full Olympics Begin
• Winnie will watch the different sports events of the day—choices range from footraces to wrestling matches to archery. You can decide!
• Again, expect photographs.
• When not watching, please mingle in the VIP area.
12P.M.–4P.M.: Sunday Estate Training
4P.M.–7P.M.: Olympics Continue
• Again, your choice on what to watch.
• When not watching, please mingle in the VIP area.
6P.M.–7P.M.: Olympics Awards Ceremony & After-party
• Ceremony will be held on the main sports field.
• Winnie will be expected to stand on stage with the Council.
• After-party will follow in Hangar A.
ALL DAY: Public viewing of Tuesday gear
• If you need a break from the sports, you can explore the Tuesday weapons, armor, and assorted vehicles in Hangars A–F.
• Expect photo requests and possible interviews.
