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Melody smoothed out her dress as they followed him up the staircase The maple banister ell-oiled and polished smooth, the treads on the stairs covered in a plush, red-patterned runner

“This place is even more beautiful than the Blackstone,” Melody breathed She said it just low enough so that only Eric could hear it

He forced back a smile “Uh huh”

On the second floor landing they turned and followed their host down a fancily-paneled hall Candles burned in sconces on either side There were no light fixtures, only la around them was period decor, one-hundred percent true to the late 18th century Melody found herself wishing she could take pictures

You won’t have your phone, she re her, so no photos, or videos, or recordings Everything you say and doLady Neveux is very strict about that As are the other guests

It was the ‘other guests’ part Melody orried about Finding the egg would be one thing Recovering it—

Stealing it

—in front of a bunch of other people? That was quite another

The gaunt man pushed open a door on the left side of the hallway He turned to face Melody and held up a large iron key

“Your room, miss”

She coughed “My… my room?”

“In case you’d like to freshen up before yourhall, in pro”

She took the keythe man’s hand Supper?

Melody watched as Eric was led to a different rooiven his own key — and the saaunt man disappeared around the next corner

Why are we having supper?