‘Viscount Rangogh,’ said Arún with a short bow. Eryn noticed that it was even shallower than the one he afforded her. ‘My name is Arún of-’ ‘I know who you are,’ interrupted Rangogh. ‘Though I admit I am accustomed to imagining you as a signature and nothing further. I believe the fire has been graced…

‘My duty to uphold the law doesn’t end with humans, I’m afraid,’ the witch said, slapping the side of the brown sack which hung from her saddle. It wriggled and groaned at her touch. ‘This thing will be accompanying me north until I can find it a new home. There has to be a fairy-town…

Night had fallen when no one was looking. The many peaks of Vhittering House were now lost amidst the ink; their proud outlines sketched in glimmering silver by a full moon. Colour had all but left the stable, the grounds that were once dazzling green, and the white stone pillars and black slate of the…

‘Who? Did the damned thing give a name?’ bellowed Rangogh. A spray of spit and wine burst from his lips. ‘Perhaps it might be best if we retire for the evening, sire, and leave all of this nasty business until morning’ Werner interjected. ‘The monster will keep until then, I am sure. I think we…

Vhittering House was a marvel from all sides. Pointed parapets scratched the open sky like long spears of dark wood. Great white pillars unlike any Eryn had seen so far from the Scarlet Coast ran along the north and south faces, some even rising from the earth to meet the rounded roof which hung over…

Viscount Rangogh drummed the arm of his ivory chair and sighed. His glassy eyes were fixed on the silver cup of wine across from him. The surface, a rich ruby red, sparkled in the candlelight. It had been filled out an hour ago, and while his own had run dry – along with the rest…

‘Apologies for the hour, my lady – and the, er- interruption.’ The door to the room at the top of the stairs was still swinging. In the room’s four-poster bed, two women were lounging by the first light of dawn. One of the pair, a fair-haired beauty in a silken chemise, was still fast asleep,…