Chapter 2: The Pulse They Tried to Hide
The movement came again, clearer this time. A tiny, frantic kick beneath the fabric, defying every cold explanation Dr. Crane had given me about Clara’s sudden collapse and supposed death.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
They weren’t mourning her. They were disposing of evidence.
I threw the lid open.
The chapel went silent, except for the distant, hungry roar of the furnace behind us. Helena lunged forward so fast her pearls struck together at her throat.
“Close it!” she shrieked, her perfect voice cracking into panic.
Marcus moved to block me, but I was already leaning over Clara. Beneath the lace sleeve of her dress, I saw the thin mark of medical tape still stuck to her wrist.
An IV line had been there.
This was not a burial garment.
It was a disguise.
I took Clara’s hand. It was cool, but not lifeless. Under my thumb, faint and stubborn, a pulse answered mine… Continue Reading ⬇️