Chapter 18. Suddenly

ISABEL

There was a knock on the door opposite, it would probably be Amelia the housekeeper. She was knocking on Mavis’s door. We both turned toward the sound, and I could feel the tension in the room change. We were no longer alone in our little bubble of comfort. The knock came again, more insistent this time.

“Who could that be?” I queried, my voice betraying my sudden unease.

“It’s probably just the housekeeper,” Mavis said, trying to sound calm and collected. But I could see the worry in his eyes, and I knew he was just as unsettled as I was.

The knock came again, and this time it was followed by a voice. “Hello? Is anyone there?” It was a woman’s voice, and it sounded familiar. I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized who it was.

“It is Estelle,” Mavis whispered to me.

“What does she want and how did she pass through the gate?” I asked, my eyes wide with jealousy. We both stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.

“I’ll get her, wai