Chapter 32 A Deal With The Crimson Queen

• The steady drumming of rain against the Lanbook Estate's windows provided a somber rhythm to the evening. In the dimly lit guest room, Lux lay curled beneath a mountain of blankets, her breathing uneven even in sleep. Fresh tear tracks glistened on her pale cheeks in the candlelight, each quiet sob making Belle's heart constrict. She continued her gentle ministrations, fingers caressing Lux's hair gently with infinite patience.
• 'Sleep, little sister...' Belle thought, watching another tear escape Lux's closed eyelids. 'The nightmares can't hurt you now...'
• Downstairs...