(Ruby's POV)
The storm came in the night.
I woke to the sound of wind howling around the corners of the manor. The windows rattled in their frames. The rain was loud, hammering against the glass like a thousand tiny fists. The fire had gone out hours ago, and the room was cold. My breath fogged in the air.
Nicholas was already awake. He was standing by the window, looking out at the dark. His silhouette was sharp against the gray light.
"Nicholas?"
He turned. "The storm is bad. The worst one since..."
He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to. The worst one since the night I had first heard the music from the west wing. The worst one since everything changed.
I got up and walked to him. The floor was cold under my bare feet. I shivered.
"Is Elle okay?"
"She's still asleep." He nodded toward the crib by the window. "She doesn't seem to notice."
