Chapter 18 When The Lights Go Out

• Élise’s POV
• The chandelier above gave a sharp buzz before sputtering into silence. Darkness fell across the dining room like a heavy curtain. Forks clinked against plates, chairs scraped against the floor, and for a moment,no one moved.
• Élise’s heart thudded against her ribs. She gripped the edge of the table, nails biting into the polished wood. Her eyes darted toward the faint glow of moonlight seeping in through the tall windows. Shadows stretched and warped, swallowing familiar shapes.