Chapter 30: Lurking in the Hallway

Isaac leapt to his feet, making Rosie jump back. He did not look at her.

“I need to go,” he said.

Lavinia stayed on the ground with Rosie. “We can’t just leave Rosie like this. This scratch is still bleeding.”

“There is no we. You’ll be in danger if we go. Stay here with Rosie.”

“You are not going on your own,” Lavinia said incredulously. “You are nowhere near your usual strength. I’m coming with you.”

Isaac looked like he wanted to argue, but stopped as he saw the stern expression on Lavinia’s face. “Fine. We’ll take her with us then,” he pulled a cover off one of the pillows on the bed and handed it to Lavinia. “Keep pressure on her. I’ll go get a carriage ready.”

“Carriage? We need to find Arabella.”

“There is no way he hasn’t found her already. He’s most likely already taken her to Castle Brogan.”

Lavinia carefully folded the pillowcase and held it to Rosie’s side. “Can you stand?”

“I think so?” Rosie wrapped one of her arms over Lavinia’s shoulders and let her pull her upright. Keeping her hand around Rosie’s side, Lavinia was able to keep the girl standing and start walking her towards the door.

Isaac looked at the two of them, torn. He half extended his hand to help, thought better of it, and then put it back in his pocket. Opening the door for them he made sure to stay on Lavinia’s side.

The halls were empty. Isaac kept a few paces ahead of them, turning corners first to ensure they would not have any unexpected guests. As they were just about to turn the corner to the grand staircase Isaac threw out his hand to stop them. He stood out in the open of the hall while they remained behind the shadowy corner.

A scuttling sound came from the perpendicular hall as if many legs were fumbling over each other, clicking on the smooth floor. As the shape moved into the light it pulsated, its huge body stretching upwards, becoming the thin woman that Isaac had greeted before the ball.

“Out for a late-night walk?” she asked. Her voice was deep and smokey, the words barely discernible. “I thought you weren’t making public appearances.”

“I would not exactly consider this public, Arachne.”

“Still,” she raised her hand to brush his hair behind his ear. “I wasn’t expecting to see you. Especially after you ignored me at the ball.”

“I’m not a good enough dancer for you. Simply not enough legs to keep up.” He smiled sheepishly.

Arachne cocked her head. “What are you hiding?” She glanced over his shoulder trying to peer into the dark hallway. He sidestepped, blocking her view. He took both of her hands.

“How about I make it up to you. It was rude of me not to offer an explanation for my absence. We can go-”

“You two can come out now. I can hear you.”

Rosie looked at Lavinia, terrified. Lavinia tried to smile convincingly, but only managed a grimace. She helped Rosie forward, the two of them emerging behind Isaac.

“Oh, it’s your sister’s little maid and… meal. Strange company to keep. Though I suppose that explains the rumors.” She looked at them, leaning closer. In the darkness of the hallway, Lavinia saw the woman’s face as a shifting blur. Her features were ill-defined, but Lavinia was sure she had more than two eyes. When Arachne smiled her narrow pointed teeth showed.

“Does Arabella know you’re borrowing them?”

“No, and I would prefer it stayed that way.”

“A petty fight? Or something more serious.”

“Petty,” Isaac relaxed into the lie. “She’s simply been unbearable recently. Without attention, she starts acting out. I’m just exacting a little revenge.”

Arachne’s mouth twitched uncomfortably. “That’s rather childish for an heir.”

“It is a difficult habit to break with siblings. It is impossible to see her as anything other than a little annoyance.” Isaac straightened up so that he was looking down at Arachne. “I’m sure you understand.” He did not wait for a reply before pulling Lavinia and Rosie further down the hall. “If you’ll excuse us.”

She stared at them as they retreated. Her stance seemed at odds with her body. Confusion did not suit her. A ripple passed over her and she was once again a dark hulking shape, clattering as she moved.

Isaac sighed as she moved away. “She gives me the creeps.”

“I can see why,” Lavinia said. “I did see that correctly, right? She turned into-”

“An enormous spider? Yeah. Not my favorite guest. But we’re in the same market for food.” He looked around again. “You two stay here. I’m going to pull a carriage to the front and come get you.”

“I’m not going to be able to make it down the stairs,” said Rosie.

“I will come back up for you,” Isaac replied, already halfway down the stairs. He moved much faster on his own. As he disappeared, Rosie tightened her grip on Lavinia.

“It will be ok,” Lavinia soothed. “He won’t hurt you.”

Rosie looked unconvinced. “How do you know he isn’t going to just snap?”

“I trust him, Rosie.”

“How?”

“It’s hard to explain.”

Rosie considered her for a moment. “Is he good to you?”

“He will be.”