Bloom Mansion – East Wing Perimeter
The rain had stopped, but the ground still glistened wet under the moonlight. The trees swayed gently, wind curling through the branches like whispers.
Something small moved in the grass—fast and quiet. A rat. Its tiny body darted over roots and slipped beneath the outer gate of the Bloom Mansion, unnoticed. Its fur was dark and patchy, and its eyes gleamed like wet obsidian.
It moved with purpose. Like it knew where it was going.
When it reached the moss-covered stone path that led to the side of the estate, it paused. Sniffed. Waited.
Then it twitched—twitched hard. Its body convulsed like someone yanked it from inside. Bones cracked. Muscles tore, then rewove. The rat's skin split open and peeled away like a paper suit.
And then—
Selene stood up.
