[excerpt] by Editor Page A

tread lightly.
    “That it has,” Lucian answered. Just not long enough! “I’m going to take mine upstairs if you don’t mind. Ray’s in a state, and I need to be there when she wakes fully.”
    The twinkle in Duncan’s eye faded. “Your clothes are in the washroom. I’ll be up shortly to relieve you.”
    “We’re good, Duncan, but thank you.” Lucian turned and hugged Molly for her thoughtfulness and carried his bowl of steaming organs up the stairs, holding it an arm’s length from his nose.
    Serina looked between the flaky pie and her half-eaten crumpet. “Molly, please save mine for later? I’m going to take Lucian up on his offer and rest. You two, make yourselves comfy. There’s some of Father Butler’s homemade wine in the pantry. It packs a wallop, so be careful.”
    “Serina!” Lucian yelled from the top of the stairs. “Come quick!”
    Serina hiked up her skirt and took the stairs two at a time with Duncan one-step behind her. They entered the room and found Raven hunched over the bed in distress. Serina rushed to her aide. Lucian knelt down in front of his sister, and swept her hair from her face.
    “What is it, Raven?” Serina asked.
    “The tea, it’s poisoned. It’s ripping me stomach in half.” Raven vomited, covering her brother in curdled tea. “I’m sorry, Luce.” She began to cry.
    “It’s all right, Beauty. I’m getting used to it. I’m going to draw a bath for you.”
    Raven nodded. “Serina, I’m sorry I’m making a muck of your home.”
    “Raven, everything is washable, your brother included. I should’ve known better. Sometimes the medicine gives people an upset tummy without food.” Serina hugged Raven to her. “Come on. I hear Lucian and Duncan trying to draw your bath. Since when does it take two men to turn on a faucet?”
    “They are joined at the hip. It takes one to think of something and the other one to act upon it.” Raven attempted a grin but it never left her lips. Instead, she finished emptying her stomach.
    After Serina helped her into the bathroom, Duncan offered, “I’ll take her from here, Serina.”
    Serina pointed. “I’ll be right in that room.” Her bedroom was adjacent to the bath.
    Raven grabbed Lucian’s and Duncan’s hands. “I’ll be fine on me own. Really. I’m feeling a bit more human since I tossed that stuff up on you, Luce. You need this bath more than I do.”
    Lucian swept his arm from Raven to the tub, gesturing, “Ladies first. Holler if you need me. I’ll be right outside.”
    “Hey, Ray?” Duncan tapped her on the shoulder, “Want some pastries? I’ll run out and grab them. No problem.”
    “You’re a love, Duncan.” Raven pushed everyone out of the room and locked the door behind her.
    One hour later, Lucian sat with his back against that very door, his leg bouncing off nervous energy as he waited to hear any signs of life. Worried, he knocked on the door. “Raven?”
    No answer.
    “Raven?” He pounded louder.
    Feeling the walls vibrate from Lucian’s fists a-rat-a-tat-tatting on them, Serina ventured out to the hall.
    Annoyance defined Lucian’s face. “She’s locked the door and isn’t responding.”
    “I’ll go grab the key. Don’t bust anymore doors down.” Serina tried to lighten his mood, but Lucian didn’t respond. She returned holding the key out. “Here you g—”
    He snatched the little skeleton fob from her hand, twisted the key and pushed on the door. It didn’t budge. “Raven?” he screamed.
    “There’s a door from my parents room. Give me the key back.” Serina took the key and ran down the hall. “Lucian? Get in here fast.”
    Raven’s unresponsive silhouette was a bold contrast against the cold white tile. A steady stream of blood flowed from an open laceration on her calf with a straight-edged razor beside her foot. Serina grabbed a few towels and placed a pressure dressing across the wound, then sent her energies inside to cauterize the wound without anyone the