Dance of Death
Author: R. L. Stine
Date: 1997-08-02 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Horror; Young Adult; Childrens; Paranormal; Thriller; Fiction; Supernatural; Magic; Historical Fiction
Description: After the bizarre deaths of her parents, Madeline never expects to feel happy again. Then she falls in love with Justin Fier, a handsome young doctor. She is warned away from Justin by a young man no one else sees, and an old woman everyone things is crazy. They tell her Justin is a man driven by an evil quest that destroys any woman who dares to love him. Is it too late? Can Madeline escape the curse of the Fears?
Publisher: Simon Pulse

Contents

Prologue

PART ONE: Madeline

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

PART TWO: Tobias

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

PART THREE: Madeline

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

PART FOUR: Tobias

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

PART FIVE: Madeline

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

PART SIX: Tobias

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

PART SEVEN: Madeline

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue

About the Author

Prologue

Shadowbrook, New York, 1793

Tobias choked. A horrible wet, gurgling sound.

He raised his hands to his neck. He felt the cold metal blade of the scalpel sticking out of his throat.

He felt his warm blood flowing under his fingers. It ran down his chest, soaking his shirt and waistcoat.

I cannot remove the scalpel, Tobias realized. If I do, my blood will gush out, and I will bleed to death at once.

“You are a dead man, Tobias.” His enemy watched him bleed, gloating.

“You will never interfere with me again,” the chilling voice continued. “I don’t need you. I don’t need your beautiful fiancée. I will choose a new victim. And you won’t be around to stop me the next time. You will be dead.”

The papers, Tobias thought. His head spun as he forced himself to step forward. I must destroy the papers. No one else must learn how to perform this evil ritual. No one else must ever discover these wicked secrets.

My laboratory. I must reach my laboratory. Tobias wrenched the drawing room door open and staggered into the hall. With each breath, he heard air whistling through the gash around the scalpel.

He heard his enemy behind him. “That’s right, Tobias,” his enemy taunted. “Crawl away like an animal and find a place to die. I will give you a decent burial. Do not worry.”

Tobias felt strong hands slam against his back. He sprawled facedown on the floor. Then he heard the drawing room door slam shut behind him.

Darkness engulfed him.

Tobias slowly crawled down the hallway and up the staircase toward the secret passage. He gasped for air, his own blood choking him. Burning hot pain seared his throat.

He knew he could move faster if he stood up. But he was too weak.

I must save my strength, he thought as he dragged himself into his enemy’s bedroom. He slid open the hidden panel. He dragged himself down the secret staircase to the long, dark, tunnel leading to his underground lab.

I must reach my laboratory. Those papers must be destroyed!

Tobias’s blood dripped onto the laboratory floor as he hauled himself inside. He could see the ancient papers he’d studied for weeks scattered across the top of his desk. A single candle burned near the inkwell.

I’ll burn the papers, Tobias thought. That will be the end of them forever. If only it could end all of this evil too!

Tobias pulled himself into his desk chair. His hands trembled as he lifted the papers and held them into the candle’s flame.

Tobias placed his head in his hands. It is done, he thought. Then he caught sight of a sheet of paper hidden under his desk. He bent over to retrieve it. He felt dizzy and sick. The room grew black.

Slowly his vision cleared. Too much, he thought. I’ve lost too much blood. Any moment now, I will die.

He pushed the sheet of paper toward the candle. The writing on it caught his attention. I’ve never seen this page before, he thought.

Tobias set the sheet down on the desk. The loops and curls of the old-fashioned letters swam and dipped before his eyes.

Concentrate, he thought. I must concentrate. Why is this one different from all the rest?

This page explains the secret to destroying the evil soul-stealer! he realized.

Tobias fumbled for his journal. He knew he didn’t have much time. His fingers felt numb as he dipped the pen into the inkwell.

I must write this down. I must leave a record of the way to defeat the soul-stealer. Then maybe my life will not be wasted after all.

The soul-stealer draws his power from the blood of his victims, Tobias wrote in his diary. But, if the soul-stealer himself bleeds, his power is destroyed. The blood from his victims will flow from him, leaving him helpless. He will grow old and die.

That’s it! Tobias thought. That’s the secret. If my enemy bleeds, then he will die.

Tobias lifted the final paper to the flame of the candle. Then, almost exhausted, he dipped his pen in the inkwell one last time.

He wanted to leave a final message for Honoria, the girl he loved. I will never forgive myself for what happened to you, Honoria, he thought. But I will leave you my journal. Someday, you will know the truth.

Honoria, he wrote, if you find this journal, I want you to know that I will love you forever. I am so sorry for what I’ve done to you. And for my part in this evil.

I swear that my spirit will not rest until my enemy is defeated and his evil destroyed.

Tobias took a shuddering breath. Blood spurted from his throat onto the journal.

I feel so weak, he thought. So cold. I can’t feel my hands anymore. My legs and feet are frozen.

The end is coming, my Honoria. These are the last words I will ever write.

If only I had listened to you! None of these terrible things would have happened. We could have been happy, far away from here.

If you can find it in your heart to do so, forgive me. I beg you.

Your loving, Tobi—

PART ONE

Madeline

Chapter

1

Shadowbrook, New York, 1873

I am safe, Madeline Simms thought. This is a new town. This is Shadowbrook. I am safe. Nothing bad will happen to me here.

Madeline stood on the platform of the tiny Shadowbrook railway station. She sighed as she stared down at her best dress, rumpled and travel-stained after her long journey. She smoothed the fabric with her hand.

Dark circles shadowed her big brown eyes. Wisps of her black hair poked out from underneath her bonnet.

I look awful, she thought. I wanted to make a good impression. I wanted Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus to like me on first sight.

She owed them so much. They generously offered to take her in when her whole world had collapsed around her. When she had no one who cared about her. No place to go.

Madeline clutched her carpetbag a little tighter and glanced around the platform. Where was the servant who was supposed to come for her?

The carpetbag felt heavy. It held Madeline’s few possessions. All she had in the world.

Except for my memories. But it’s better not to think about them. Better not to dwell on the past. Safer to forget what happened to Mama and Papa.

If she thought about the past, Madeline was sure she would start screaming. Then Deborah and Marcus would know she was insane. They would send her away. Lock her up. They would never take her in.

I am not crazy, Madeline told herself fiercely. I’m not like Mama. I won’t end up like she did. I don’t care what anybody says.

“Excuse me, miss. Would you be Madeline Simms?”

Madeline started. She hadn’t noticed the horse and buggy pull up right in front of her.

Madeline stared at the old man seated atop the black buggy. His face was so thin it reminded Madeline of a grinning skull. And his body looked like a collection of skin and bones draped with some baggy clothes.

Madeline felt a cold shiver ripple through her, even though the day was warm.

Death has come for me. Like it came for Mama and Papa. I don’t want to go!

The old man leaned forward. Madeline could feel his dark and beady eyes fixed on her face. She shivered so hard her teeth began to chatter.

I must get a hold of myself! This must be the servant my cousins have sent to fetch me. He doesn’t really mean to scare me. He can’t help that he is so thin and odd-looking.

If I let my imagination start to run away with me now, I’ll never survive here. I’ll never survive anywhere. I can’t let this old man see how nervous I am.

“Yes, I’m Miss Simms,” Madeline answered. She felt pleased that her voice only squeaked a little.

The old man nodded. “I thought so,” he replied. His smile widened, showing big gaps between his teeth. He cackled as he clambered down from the buggy. “You have to be don’t you? Ain’t no one else here.”

He’s joking, Madeline realized as she watched him hobble toward her. She felt a rush of relief. He’s teasing me.

Madeline felt herself relax a little. The old man hadn’t noticed her nervousness. He hadn’t noticed anything wrong with her.

And no one else will either. Because there isn’t anything wrong with me. I’m perfectly normal. As normal as everyone else around here.

“There now,” the old man said as he approached her. “You’re worn out, aren’t you? And I’m late besides. I’m sorry about that, miss. But the horse was a little jumpy. You won’t tell Mr. Marcus I was late, will you? He’d be awfully mad.”

“Of course I won’t,” Madeline answered warmly, pleased that she could put the old man at ease.

See? There’s nothing to be afraid of, Madeline thought. He’s just as nervous as I am.

“You give me that bag and I’ll stow it in the buggy,” the old man continued. “Your cousins’ house ain’t far from here. We’ll be there in no time, once we get started.”

Now Madeline could see the kindness in his dark eyes. He’s trying to make me feel welcome, she thought.

She felt the last of her nervousness vanish. She’d been right the first time. She was going to be safe and happy here in Shadowbrook.

“Who are you?” she asked the man as he took her bag.

“My name is William,” he answered.

He put Madeline’s bag in the back of the buggy, then helped her up onto the narrow bench.

“I see to the grounds and to the horses for Mr. Marcus,” William continued.

“My cousins live outside town, don’t they?” Madeline asked.

William nodded as he climbed up beside her. “That they do, miss. Just the other side of that hill. You’ll get to see a nice bit of the town on our way.”

“Shadowbrook is a nice place, isn’t it?” Madeline asked.

William clicked his tongue to the horse. The buggy started forward, bouncing and swaying. Madeline held on to the handrail.

“Oh, yes, miss. Indeed it is. Folks are friendly, too. I’m sure you’ll soon feel right at home here.”

I hope so, Madeline thought. I need a home.

The horse’s hooves made comforting clops as the buggy moved through the paved streets. Madeline liked what she saw of Shadowbrook, she decided. Its wide streets were lined with tall trees. Now and then, Madeline heard a bird call.

She enjoyed looking at the large, fine houses. They were set back from the road with smooth, green lawns in front of them. And every house had a lovely garden.

As the carriage rolled through town, Madeline felt surrounded by an atmosphere of peace and serenity. I’m glad I came here. This is a place where the past can’t touch me. A place where I can heal.

William clicked his tongue to the horse once again, urging it up a steep hill at the outskirts of town. Madeline guessed her cousins’ house wasn’t much farther.

She felt anticipation rise within her. I’m almost there. Almost safe. Almost home.

She caught a glimpse of a tall white house with dark green shutters at the top of the hill. A beautiful rose garden filled the side yard. It was the loveliest house she’d seen so far.

“Whose house is that?” she asked William eagerly. “Is it Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus’s?”

“That place?” William answered. “Oh, no. That house there belongs to Dr. Justin Fear.”

The horse snorted and shied to the right. “Here now, Buttercup. Easy now,” William soothed the horse. “I declare, I don’t know what’s the matter with her today, miss. She’s not usually so skittish.”

The horse gave a shrill whinny and reared. The buggy rocked and shook. Its front wheels jerked off the ground, then crashed back down. Madeline grabbed the handrail with both hands.

“William! What’s the matter? What is it?” she cried.

But William didn’t answer. He was too busy trying to control the horse. The animal seemed possessed. It screamed and slashed the air with its hooves.

Then it plunged forward—straight toward a man standing in the middle of the road.

The man waved his arms wildly. His dark hair whipped around his face.

“Run!” Madeline screamed at him. “Run!”

The man opened his mouth in a silent scream.

We’re going to hit him!

Chapter

2

“I can’t hold her, miss,” William bellowed. “Jump before it’s too late!”

Madeline gathered her skirts and leaped from the buggy. Her body slammed into the ground. The breath whooshed from her lungs.

The horse screamed. It reared again—its hooves poised over Madeline’s head.

I’m going to be crushed! Trampled to death!

No!

She forced herself to roll out of the way. Pain shot through her body. Dust filled her eyes and nose, choking her.

Move! she ordered herself.

But she couldn’t.

Her ears were ringing. She heard Buttercup’s screams and William’s desperate commands. But they sounded far away. So, so far.

Blood from a cut on her forehead dripped down into her eyes. Her vision blurred.

Where is the man who was in the road? Madeline thought suddenly. I can’t see him! I can’t see him! He’s been crushed!

Madeline reached up to wipe the blood from her eyes. Pain lanced through her skull.

Then … darkness.

♦ ♦ ♦

“Miss Simms. Miss Simms, can you hear me?”

Madeline slowly came to her senses. Where am I? she wondered. Then she remembered the accident.

She opened her eyes and blinked against the glaring sunlight. A young man’s face came into focus. He moved closer, bending over her. His eyes are the same bright blue as the sky, Madeline thought. And his hair is golden blond.

He is an angel, she thought. I must be in heaven.

“Are you all right?” Madeline’s angel said.

“Am I still alive?” she asked him.

The young man’s face lit in a beautiful smile. “Of course you are,” he replied in a deep, warm voice. “Though I’m afraid you will have quite a few bruises. Why did you think you weren’t alive?”

“Because of you,” Madeline answered. “You’re so beautiful, I thought you must be an angel.”

The young man laughed. Madeline felt herself blush all the way up to the roots of her hair.

Why did I say that? she thought. Proper young ladies don’t just blurt out such things. He’ll think I’m trying to attract his attentions. I don’t even know who he is.

“I beg your pardon, sir,” she murmured. She struggled to sit up. The simple action made her head throb painfully. She winced.

“Go slowly, now,” the young man cautioned. “You’ve got quite a bump on the head.” He clasped one of her hands gently.

His skin felt cold and clammy—like a snake’s. Madeline jerked away.

“I’m so sorry,” the young man apologized. “There wasn’t time to mention—” He broke off and shook his head.

“My name is Dr. Justin Fear,” he continued after a moment. “I saw your accident from my house up on the hill. I came to see if I could help.”

“Thank you for your kindness,” Madeline stammered. She felt foolish now reacting so strangely to his touch. His hand was just cold, she told herself. There was no reason to pull away like that.

“I remember William said that the beautiful house on the hill belonged to Dr. Fear,” she continued, trying to make up for her rudeness.

“How nice you noticed my house,” Dr. Fear replied graciously. “And you needn’t call me Dr. Fear. My name is Justin.”

Madeline felt that using Dr. Fear’s name was much too familiar. They’d only just met. But she couldn’t bring herself to refuse him.

“Very well … Justin,” she answered.

The warmth she saw in Justin’s eyes made her tingle all over. The sensation almost made her forget how cold his skin felt.

“William!” Madeline cried suddenly. She struggled to her feet. “What’s happened to William? Is he all right? How could I have forgotten about him?”

“William is just fine,” Justin told her. “He’s right over there, trying to keep the horse calm until you are well enough to travel on to your cousins’ house.”

“And the man?” Madeline asked. “The one in the road. Was he badly injured?”

Justin looked at her, a frown marring his perfect features. “What man?” he said.

“The one in the road,” Madeline repeated. “The strange-looking man who frightened the horse.”

“William,” Justin called out. “Why did you say nothing about a man in the road?”

“Because there wasn’t one, sir,” William called back.

Madeline felt a cold chill race through her. “There was a man, I tell you,” she insisted. “I saw him.”

Justin silently regarded Madeline. He frowned slightly.

Madeline’s stomach began to churn. He thinks I’m crazy. That I’m imagining things just like Mama did. But I’m not. I’m not!

“Well, William,” Justin asked after a moment. “What do you have to say to that?”

William dropped the horse’s reins and came over to Justin and Madeline. “I’m sorry, miss,” he answered. “But I didn’t see anyone in the road.”

William glanced at Justin. He fidgeted nervously with his cap. “If there was someone in front of that horse, I’d have seen him,” he continued. “I was looking straight forward the whole time. As far as I can tell, that horse just spooked.”

Madeline shook her head. No! This can’t be happening. Not to me. Not so soon.

“William,” she gasped. “You must have seen him.”

“I swear to you, miss, the road was clear all the way to the crest of the hill,” William answered. “There wasn’t anybody standing in the road.”

Chapter

3

Madeline struggled to control herself. “William,” she began, keeping her voice low and quiet. “You must have seen the man. He stood right there in front of the horse, waving his arms. You must have seen him, William.” Madeline’s voice began to rise. “You must have—”

“Madeline, that’s enough!” Justin said firmly. “You hit your head and you’re confused.”

His explanation made sense. She felt herself begin to relax. “I guess that’s possible,” she agreed.

“I’m sorry, William,” Madeline apologized. “I’m sure Dr. Fear is right.”

William shuffled his feet awkwardly. “It doesn’t matter about me, miss,” he said. “But your cousins, they’ll be worried. If you’re ready, I should be getting you home.”

Home! Madeline thought. How good that sounded.

“Thank you, William,” she answered simply. “Please take me home.”

William helped Madeline back into the buggy, then swung up on the seat beside her. She glanced nervously at Buttercup, but the horse appeared perfectly calm.

Justin took a seat on the other side of Madeline. “I’ll come along,” he said. “I want to be sure you arrive at your cousins’ safe and sound.”

“Your cousins’ house is just over the hill,” William said. When it came into view, Madeline felt a bit disappointed. She’d been imagining an elegant home, with carefully tended grounds and a garden—like Dr. Fear’s house.

Her cousins’ house stood several stories high, with odd turrets and towers poking out here and there. The porch sagged and the roof appeared in need of repair. Peeling gray paint and broken shutters added to the house’s decrepit appearance.

Some tall, scraggly trees shaded the front yard. Madeline glanced around for a flower garden, but saw none.

My cousins must not be as wealthy as I had assumed, she realized. I mustn’t judge them harshly just because they can’t afford to keep up repairs on such a huge, old house.

As soon as the buggy came to a stop, a plump, blond woman ran across the wide porch and down the steps. Madeline guessed that the woman was about the same age as her mother had been when she died.

The woman took one look at the cut on Madeline’s face and gave a sharp cry. “Goodness gracious! What’s happened?” she exclaimed.

A tall man hurried up to the woman and put his arm around her shoulders. His thin face and silver-streaked black hair gave him a dignified appearance, Madeline thought.

“There now, Deborah,” the man said soothingly. “Justin is with her, so everything must be all right.” He pulled the blond woman closer to him.

“It’s just a little cut,” Madeline reassured them as Justin helped her get down from the buggy. “I’m sorry I worried you. I—”

“Don’t be ridiculous, my dear,” the blond woman interrupted. “We’re just so grateful that you’ve arrived. I’m your Cousin Deborah, of course, and this is your Cousin Marcus.”

Deborah hurried over to Madeline. “Are you sure you’re all right? What happened?”

Madeline felt warmed by her cousin’s concern. It had been so long since anyone fussed over her.

“That horse of yours got spooked by a shadow in the road,” Justin answered. “Miss Simms had to jump from the buggy.”

“Oh, my dear.” Deborah sighed. She wrapped Madeline in a warm, almost smothering embrace. “What a terrible thing to happen, and on your very first day in Shadowbrook.”

How kind she is, Madeline thought, as Deborah led her into the house. Everyone is being so kind.

The interior of the Simms house was dark and gloomy. Although the sun shone brightly outside, all the curtains were tightly drawn.

It’s like a tomb in here. Why don’t they let any light in? Madeline wondered.

Deborah pulled her over to a sofa in the parlor.

“You must be very tired. Sit here,” she told Madeline. A thin cloud of dust rose up as Madeline settled herself on the sofa.

That must be why the curtains are drawn, Madeline thought. So no one can see how poorly kept up the house is. How good they are to take me in when they don’t have any money!

Deborah’s hands fluttered around her face. “As soon as Justin has seen to your injuries, you must go straight to bed.”

“Thank you,” Madeline whispered. “I’d like that—” She paused, not certain what to call her new relation now that they were face-to-face. “Mrs. Simms,” she stammered.

Deborah gave a trill of laughter. “Oh, you mustn’t call me that,” she protested. “Cousin Deborah sounds so much cozier. And Marcus will be Cousin Marcus, won’t you dear?”

Marcus Simms nodded as he came into the room with Justin. He hardly speaks a word, Madeline thought. And Cousin Deborah never stops chattering. I suppose that makes them a good match!

“I just know we’re all going to be great friends,” Deborah prattled. “Marcus and I are going to take good care of you, my dear. You’re very important to us. Isn’t she, Marcus?”

“She certainly is,” Marcus agreed, speaking up at last. “And even through her bruises I can tell she’s very lovely. Don’t you agree, Justin?”

“I most certainly do,” Justin replied. Madeline felt herself blush at the warmth of his tone.

He pulled a chair over next to the sofa and sat down. He leaned over and smiled at Madeline. “Not even a few bumps and bruises can change that,” he added.

Madeline felt her cheeks grow even hotter. What’s the matter with me? she thought. I never blush.

“Now, let’s see about that head,” Justin went on, his tone suddenly all business. “I’ll need some warm water, Deborah.”

“Of course, Justin. I’ll see to it right away.” She left to summon a servant. A moment later, she returned.

“The maid will be in with the water in a moment,” Deborah promised.

A knock sounded on the drawing room door. “Enter,” Marcus commanded. The door swung open, and a young servant girl stepped inside.

Madeline stared at her, awed by her beauty. Rich, auburn hair covered her head in a halo of shining curls. Her skin was as clear and white as porcelain. She reminded Madeline of a beautiful china doll.

The maid carried a bowl of gently steaming water in her hands. She watched it carefully, to make sure it didn’t spill.

“Put the water down right over here, Molly,” Justin said.

The servant girl’s large green eyes jerked up to Justin’s face. Her hands began to shake so violently that water sloshed over the sides of the bowl.

“Dr. Fear,” she whispered. “Dr. Fear.”

“Bring the water over to me,” Justin said again.

Molly’s feet stayed rooted to the floor.

“Do as I tell you, Molly,” Justin ordered in a soft, commanding voice.

Molly staggered forward. She twisted her head from side to side as if in agony. But her gaze kept returning to Justin’s face.

“What’s the matter?” Madeline asked in confusion. “Is the water too hot? Did you burn yourself?”

Molly stopped, shuddered, and lowered her eyes.

“I won’t,” she cried. “You’re evil and I won’t come near you. You can’t make me do it!”

Chapter

4

“Now, Molly,” Justin crooned. “Don’t be silly. You know there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

He rose and took a single step toward the girl. Molly jumped away from him.

What’s wrong with her? Madeline thought.

Molly crashed against a curio cabinet. The bowl of water slipped from her fingers. It crashed to the floor and shattered into dozens of tiny pieces. Water streamed over the dark floor.

“Now look what you’ve done, Molly,” Justin scolded.

Molly threw her apron over her head and dashed out the door.

“Molly! You come back here this instant and clean this up!” Deborah shouted. The only answer was Molly’s hysterical sobs echoing down the hall.

“I really must apologize, Justin,” Deborah said, turning to him. “That girl is so high-strung she’s hardly worth the trouble. I’ll see about more water myself.”

Justin shook his head and sighed. “I thought Molly was over her fear of me,” he told Madeline as he returned to his place beside her. “But I see now that I was wrong. Molly’s brother had an accident not long ago,” he explained. “There was nothing I could do to save him. But I’m afraid Molly believes his death was all my fault.”

Madeline felt a rush of sympathy. “How awful for you. It must be terrible to lose a patient and then be blamed.”

Justin’s expression warmed. “That’s it exactly,” he replied. “I was afraid for a moment that Molly’s reaction would upset you. But I should have known that you would understand.”

Madeline lowered her eyes. She felt shy suddenly. Why should Justin care what she thought? They barely knew each other.

“Here’s the water,” Deborah announced, coming back into the parlor with a swish of skirts.

“Thank you, Deborah,” Justin said. “Set it down on this table, will you?”

Deborah did as he asked. “Take good care of my cousin now,” she teasingly ordered. “We wouldn’t want anything to ruin that beautiful face.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t want that either,” Justin answered.

Deborah tittered. She walked over to Marcus and wrapped her arm around his waist.

Justin moistened his handkerchief in the warm water. “Madeline?” he said softly.

She lifted her eyes to his face.

“I’m going to have to touch you,” Justin explained, his tone quiet. So quiet Madeline didn’t think Deborah or Marcus could hear.

Without meaning to, Madeline shivered. She could still remember the cold, clammy feel of his hands.

Justin sighed. “The idea of my touching you is upsetting, isn’t it?”

“I don’t want it to be, Justin,” Madeline whispered.

“Honestly?” Justin replied. “Maybe it will be easier if I explain things. I’ve been on many travels in the course of my medical studies. On one of them, I acquired a disease which affects my hands. It makes my touch somewhat—unusual. Not everyone can bear it.”

Madeline felt terrible. He’s been so kind to me, so good. And I’ve been so ungenerous, she thought.

“I don’t mind if you touch me, Justin,” she told him.

“Don’t you?” Justin asked. “Do you really mean that, Madeline?”

She nodded. He stroked one finger down the side of her face.

Madeline imagined a disgusting snake slithering over her skin. She couldn’t help it.

It took all the strength she had not to cry out and shrink away from Justin. But she managed to control herself.

It isn’t a snake, she lectured herself. It’s someone who’s kind and good. Someone who only wants to help me.

Justin.

“Madeline,” Justin whispered hoarsely. “No one has let me do that since my illness. I can’t tell you what it means to me. I—”

He broke off, and glanced over at Deborah and Marcus. Madeline almost had forgotten they were still in the room.

Justin quickly bathed Madeline’s face and examined her cuts and bruises. His fingers were gentle and skillful.

Madeline felt herself relaxing more and more. She felt certain that, given enough time, she wouldn’t even notice the strangeness of Justin’s touch.

Maybe I don’t have to end up like Mama did. My life could have a happy ending after all, she thought.

“There now,” Justin said softly as he finished. “Just some superficial cuts and bruises, nothing more. You’ll still be as beautiful as ever. But I want you to promise me you’ll get some rest.”

Madeline smiled up at him. “I promise,” she replied. Without stopping to think about it, she gave him her hand.

Justin stared down at her, shocked. Then he seized her hand eagerly. He bent over it and pressed his lips against her knuckles.

Madeline felt the heat of his lips travel all the way up her arm.

“Come, my dear,” Deborah urged, bustling toward her. “You must let me take you upstairs to your room. Let her go now, Justin,” she added playfully, when she noticed Justin still held Madeline’s hand in his. “You can see her tomorrow.”

This time, Madeline felt pleased to see it was Justin who blushed. Then he laughed and released her hand.

“Of course. Take good care of her for me until then,” he instructed.

“You know we’ll do that,” Marcus promised.

Madeline let Deborah help her from the sofa and lead her toward the doorway. Just before they left the parlor, Madeline turned back. “Thank you for your kindness,” she told Justin. “I will never forget it.”

A fierce smile lit Justin’s face.

♦ ♦ ♦

Madeline slept deeply. She woke to the sound of low, murmuring voices in her room. At first she thought she was still dreaming. Then she realized the voices belonged to Deborah and Marcus.

Maybe they just came to check on me because of my fall, Madeline reasoned. But something in their tone bothered her. She kept her eyes closed and listened.

“We’ll have to watch her very carefully from now on, you know that don’t you?” Madeline heard Deborah murmur.

Madeline felt her heart pound.

“Of course,” Marcus answered. “But nothing is going to happen while she’s asleep under our own roof. We might as well leave her alone.”

“I don’t know,” Deborah answered. “We can’t afford to let anything happen. You heard what William said. She thought she saw somebody in the road.”

“But Justin convinced her otherwise,” Marcus countered. “Relax, Deborah. Nothing is going to happen now that she’s with us. Everything will work out fine.”

Madeline heard the squeak of the heavy wooden door as it opened and closed. Then she listened to the sound of their fading footsteps as they walked down the hall.

She forced herself to lie still and counted to one hundred before she opened her eyes and sat up. Her heart continued to pound.

Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus talked to William. They knew Madeline thought she had seen someone in the road. Is that why they thought they needed to watch her? Did they think she was insane, like her mother?

Relax. Take deep breaths. Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus don’t know about Mama, Madeline told herself. They think the same thing everyone else does—that Mama and Papa died in a tragic accident.

No one knows the truth but me. No one.

And no one else is going to know it, Madeline vowed. Because I’m not like Mama. I’m not going mad. I only saw a shadow in the road, just like Justin said.

Madeline threw back the covers. She crossed to the washstand. She filled the basin from a pitcher of water, then bathed her face.

The water felt cool and refreshing against her flushed skin. She wet the cloth again and bathed her wrists and the back of her neck.

Poor Mama and Papa. I won’t think about them anymore, she promised herself. She closed her eyes and pressed the washcloth against her face.

I have a new home, a new life, she thought. I must concentrate on the present. On Shadowbrook.

Madeline slid the washcloth off her face. She glanced at her reflection in the looking glass.

No!

Chapter

5

The strange man she had seen on the road stood behind her!

Madeline tried to scream. But her throat squeezed shut.

The man took a step toward her.

Madeline whirled around. “Who are you?” she cried out. “How dare you come in here? How did you get into my room?”

The man did not answer. He shook his head from side to side. His hair hung around his face in matted clumps. His eyes were rimmed with shadows.

And his white shirt … the front of his white shirt was drenched in blood. So was his waistcoat.

Madeline backed up—and hit her dressing table. She was trapped.

My only chance is to fight back, she thought. I can’t let him see how scared I am.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

The man raised one hand and pointed it straight at her.

Madeline felt the skin on the back of her neck crawl.

It’s me. He’s come for me!

The man rushed toward her.

Madeline closed her eyes. She raised her arms over her head to protect herself.

She felt a blast of icy air rush by her.

But no one touched her.

Madeline lowered her arms. She opened her eyes and stared around the room.

The man had disappeared.

What happened? she thought. He ran straight toward me!

Anger burst through Madeline. He’s playing a horrible trick. He wants to frighten me.

She dashed to the bedroom door and yanked it open. I’m not going to let him get away with this! she thought.

Madeline dashed out into the hallway. She saw a flash of white vanishing around the corner to the right.

It’s him! She picked up her skirts and chased after the man. She dashed around the corner—and the hallway stood empty.

But she caught another glimpse of white.

Madeline ran down the narrow hallways, making turn after turn. Always a moment too late to catch the man.

Her throat burned as she gasped for breath. Don’t stop, she ordered herself. You can’t stop now.

Madeline spotted the flicker of white again and raced after it. She flew around another corner and skidded to a stop.

A dead end.

Madeline jerked on one of the doors that lined the hallway. Locked. She tried every single door. Every one was locked.

No! Madeline thought. This can’t be happening. I know the man turned down this corridor.

Now I’ll never feel safe here. Never know when he’ll turn up again. Never know what he wants.

And no one will believe me if I tell them about him. Nobody did before. I’m all alone, with no one to help me. She leaned her head against the wall.

Step … drag …

Step … drag …

Step …

What’s that?

Footsteps. Behind me. Coming down the hall!

Step … drag …

Step … drag …

Step …

Madeline heard the footsteps come closer and closer. Then she heard a strange crooning sound.

“Tobias,” an eerie voice moaned. “Tobiiiaaas.”

Chills raced up and down Madeline’s spine. She pressed her hands to her mouth to hold back the scream rising from deep within her.

A pale form materialized at the mouth of the hall.

It wasn’t the man.

It was an old woman. An old woman dressed in white.

Step … drag …

Step … drag …

Step …

She started down the hallway toward Madeline. Madeline’s breath came in shallow gasps.

The old woman wore an ancient wedding dress. It hung from her skeletal form in filthy tatters. The filmy veil had been ripped and then mended with jagged stitches of blood-red thread.

It looks like a scar, Madeline thought. A scar on a ghost.

Step …

The old woman moved forward.

Drag …

She pulled the long tattered train of her wedding dress behind her.

Step … drag …

She had almost reached Madeline. Now Madeline could see the woman’s blue eyes glittering behind her filthy veil. She could feel the woman’s hot, sour breath on her face.

“You’ve seen my Tobias, haven’t you?” the old crone whispered. She reached out and took hold of Madeline’s arms. Her clawlike fingers dug into Madeline’s skin.

The old woman began to shake Madeline. And shake her. And shake her.

Madeline’s head hit the wall with a thunk. Spots danced before her eyes.

“My Tobias,” the old woman chanted. She gave Madeline a shake with each word. “You’ve seen my Tobias, haven’t you? Haven’t you? Where is he? Where is my Tobias?”

Tobias? Who is she talking about? Madeline thought. Who is Tobias?

PART TWO

Tobias

Chapter

6

Shadowbrook, New York, 1793

Tobias Morgan opened his journal and dipped his pen in the inkwell.

Today, after more than a year, Justin returned from his journey in the desert, Tobias wrote. I almost did not recognize him. His face was burned from the sun and wind. His lips were so chapped they bled. And his eyes … his eyes were wild. Like a madman’s.

He brought back papers that he believes hold the key to our project. He believes we are about to achieve our goal.

I must admit I was not certain this day would ever arrive. And there were times I hoped it would not. For perhaps the knowledge Justin and I seek should not belong to mortal men …

Justin begged me to start translating the papers immediately. I began work on them as soon as he left me.

Tobias paused to wipe a bead of sweat from his forehead. It was late, almost time for him to leave his medical laboratory for the day and go up to dinner. But Tobias wanted to finish the entry in his journal first.

The beautiful leather-bound journal was a gift from the woman he loved. Honoria Bancroft, his fiancée.

Tobias promised Honoria he would write his most secret hopes and dreams in the journal. That way, if they were ever parted, Honoria could keep the diary with her, and she would feel close to him.

But tonight he was having difficulty writing down his thoughts. He wasn’t sure he wanted Honoria to know about the work he was performing for Justin Fear.

It isn’t wrong, not exactly. But not everyone would understand it, Tobias thought.

Tobias was almost sure Honoria wouldn’t understand it. Almost sure she would not approve. Honoria wanted Tobias to stop working with Justin.

Once Honoria and Tobias were married, she wanted him to establish his own medical practice somewhere else. She wanted them to leave Shadowbrook.

But Tobias knew he could never do it. He could never stop working with Justin. He owed him too much.

If not for Justin, I wouldn’t be a doctor, Tobias thought. He paid for all my medical schooling because he wanted us to work together. He bought me this fine house, right next door to his own because he wanted me to live close by. He wanted me to be his partner, as well as his best friend.

How can I tell him I no longer want us to work together? I can’t repay his kindness by letting him down.

But it was still hard for Tobias to write down what he and Justin were working on together. The thing that had always been the driving force behind Justin’s work.

Think of all the good we will do if we’re successful, Tobias told himself.

He dipped the pen into the inkwell. The tip of the feather pen scratched across the page as he continued his journal entry.

It’s better for Honoria to know the truth someday, Tobias thought. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. I want her to know what Justin and I are trying to do.

I’m almost certain the papers Justin has asked me to translate contain the key to unlocking the secret of eternal life.

A blast of cold air filled the room. Tobias trembled. The flame of his candle flickered. The ancient papers Justin brought back from the desert stirred and rustled.

That’s odd, Tobias thought. There are never any drafts in this underground laboratory.

Justin created the laboratory especially for the work he and Tobias did together. The work that would give them the secret of eternal life. A secret passageway led from Justin’s house to the laboratory, then on to Tobias’s house.

The passageway opened into Tobias’s bedroom. His servants knew nothing about it. Not that Tobias had many of them. He was too poor. If not for Justin, Tobias wouldn’t have been able to afford to live in Shadowbrook.

Justin will be angry when he finds out that I told Honoria about the passageway and the laboratory, Tobias thought. But we’re going to be married. Soon, we’ll be man and wife. I couldn’t keep it a secret from her.

“Tobias!” a voice called out.

Tobias lifted his head to see Honoria coming into the laboratory. She rushed over to him and threw herself into his arms.

“You’re shaking,” Tobias exclaimed. “What’s the matter?”

“Oh, Tobias,” Honoria said, burying her face against his chest. “How can you stand to walk through that passage day after day? It’s dark and horrible. And I heard rats scurrying around me.”

“You’re just imagining things, Honoria,” Tobias said soothingly. “I admit the passageway needs cleaning, but there’s nobody but me to do it and I have more important work. It’s not so bad, once you get used to it.”

“I could never get used to it,” Honoria cried. She lifted her head and stared up at him. “Never. Oh, Tobias, promise me that after we’re married, you won’t do this any longer. Promise me we’ll go away from here.”

Tobias felt his heart contract as he looked down at Honoria.

She’s so beautiful. How can I refuse her anything?

Honoria’s hair was the color of sunshine. Her eyes were a beautiful sky blue. She always reminded Tobias of a bright, clear summer morning.

I’m so lucky. So lucky she loves me. So lucky she agreed to marry me.

But in his heart, Tobias harbored a terrible secret. A fear that someday Honoria would change her mind about him.

She and Justin would make such a handsome couple. Tobias knew he wasn’t nearly as good looking as Justin. His hair and eyes were just an ordinary brown. Justin had blond hair and blue eyes to match Honoria’s.

Honoria had never appeared interested in Justin. In fact, she seemed to dislike him. But Tobias couldn’t stop worrying that one day Honoria would realize rich, handsome Justin would make her a much better husband.

What does she see in me? Compared to Justin, I’m nothing. I’m so plain and poor.

Oh, Honoria, Tobias thought. Don’t ever leave me. I love you so much!

But no matter how much he loved her, he couldn’t betray his best friend. “I can’t leave here until my work with Justin is finished,” Tobias said slowly. “I owe him everything, Honoria. Please, try to understand.”

Honoria jerked herself out of Tobias’s arms and began to pace around the laboratory. “I understand that you care more for Justin than you do for me,” she snapped. “I’m going to be your wife, Tobias. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? I only want what is best for us.”

“But that’s all I want, too,” Tobias said. “As soon as I’ve finished my work for Justin, we’ll go away together. I promise. But I can’t leave before that.”

He pulled Honoria back into his arms.

“Oh, Tobias,” Honoria whispered. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “I’m so afraid.”

“Afraid?” Tobias echoed. “Of what?”

“Of Justin,” Honoria confided. “I saw him when he returned today. He rode past me when I was on my way to your house. He seems different somehow. His eyes are so strange, Tobias.”

She shivered. “I’m afraid Justin means to keep you here forever. Afraid he’ll never let you go. I have the money for my dowry. I want us to use it to start a new life together. I want us to go away right now!”

“Honoria, I’ve just explained that I can’t go yet,” Tobias answered. “And you mustn’t worry about Justin. I admit he gets a little intense sometimes. But you mustn’t let your imagination run wild.”

A part of Tobias was glad to hear how Honoria felt about Justin. If Honoria were afraid of Justin, she would never leave Tobias for him.

Yes, Justin has everything. Except Honoria, Tobias thought. She belongs to me. And she always will.

Believe it, Tobias told himself. Believe it.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of,” he murmured. “I’ll keep you safe. I love you, Honoria.”

“Oh, Tobias,” Honoria whispered. “I love you, too.” She lifted her face for a kiss.

Tobias gazed down into her beautiful blue eyes. He lowered his lips until they almost touched hers. He knew he shouldn’t be doing this. It wasn’t proper for him to kiss her. It wasn’t even proper for them to be together without a chaperon.

But her mouth would feel so good.

Honoria’s lips parted.

She gave a high, shrill scream.

Chapter

7

Tobias thrust Honoria behind him and crouched down into a fighting position. He could see a dark figure standing in the shadows at the entrance to the passageway.

That’s the passage from Justin’s house! Something terrible must have happened. Nobody ever comes that way but him.

Tobias could feel his heartbeat quicken as adrenaline raced through his body.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting something,” Justin said, his tone sarcastic.

Justin! It was only Justin.

“Why didn’t you say who you were at once,” Tobias snapped. “I could have hurt you!”

“I knew you wouldn’t hurt me, Tobias,” Justin answered. “You couldn’t, even if you tried.”

Justin brushed past Tobias. “Honoria,” he said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

He’s angry, Tobias thought. Angry because I broke my promise and told her about the laboratory.

“I followed Tobias when he wasn’t paying attention,” Honoria said. “You mustn’t blame him, Justin. It wasn’t his fault.”

“That’s not true—” Tobias began.

Justin laughed. “But of course I won’t blame Tobias,” he said. “How can I blame him for wanting to be with you? If you were my fiancée, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight, Honoria.”

Justin took a step closer to her. Tobias clenched his hands into two tight fists.

He’s always flirting with her, he thought. Always trying to take her away from me.

Honoria took a quick step back. Tobias breathed a sigh of relief.

She doesn’t even want to be near him, Tobias reminded himself. I’m the one she wants to be with. Honoria loves me.

“I’ll go up to see about your dinner, Tobias,” Honoria said, trying to maneuver around Justin. “You’ll come up very soon, won’t you?”

“As soon as Tobias and I have a little discussion,” Justin answered before Tobias could say anything.

Tobias felt a spurt of anger. He forced it down.

All I have to do is translate these papers, Tobias thought. Then Honoria and I can be married and go away together. We’ll never have to see Justin again.

Until then, I must remember how much I owe him. How good he’s always been to me.

Honoria hurried out of the lab. Her haste made her clumsy. She bumped into Tobias’s instrument table, knocking over a tray of sharp scalpels.

“Ouch!” Honoria cried.

“Honoria, what is it?” Tobias said, hurrying forward. But Justin was closer.

“It’s nothing,” he said, quickly stepping in front of Tobias. “She’s just cut herself. I don’t think it’s very deep. I’ll take care of it.”

Justin pulled a snowy white handkerchief from his coat pocket and pressed it to Honoria’s wound.

“Here,” he said. “This should help stop the bleeding.”

Tobias could hear Honoria’s unsteady breathing. “Justin,” she gasped. “You’re pressing too hard.”

“Nonsense, my dear,” Justin said. “The pressure is what stops the bleeding. Remember, I’m the doctor, so I ought to know.”

“Let go of her,” Tobias cried, springing forward.

“Calm down, Tobias,” Justin said sharply. “There’s no reason for alarm. There, see? The bleeding has stopped.”

He whipped the handkerchief from Honoria’s cut hand and stuffed it in his pocket. “You can go up to dinner now, Honoria,” he continued. “Tobias will be along in a moment.”

Honoria brushed past Justin. She laid a trembling hand on Tobias’s arm. “Tobias,” she said in a low voice. “I don’t want you to stay here. I don’t want to go back through that horrible passage alone. Come with me now, Tobias.”

Tobias didn’t know what to do. Which was more important? His debt to Justin or his love for Honoria?

I wouldn’t be able to marry Honoria if it wasn’t for Justin, he thought. He’s the one who made it possible for me to support myself. I don’t have much. But what I have, I owe to Justin.

“I must stay to talk with Justin,” he answered. “Take one of my candles. I’ll come up as soon as I can.”

“Oh, Tobias,” Honoria whispered. Her beautiful blue eyes filled with tears. Without another word, she took the candle and ran from the laboratory.

You better have a very good reason for keeping me here, Justin, Tobias thought. He hated to see Honoria so unhappy. Trying to keep hold of his temper, he turned to face Justin Fear.

Justin was hunched over Tobias’s desk. He studied the notes Tobias had begun to make on the papers.

He’s forgotten all about Honoria, Tobias thought.

“You’ve done it, haven’t you?” Justin asked, his eyes shining as he looked up from the papers.

Honoria is right. There is something strange about his eyes, Tobias thought.

“You’ve started to translate these, haven’t you?” Justin prompted. “You know the meaning of this word.”

He lifted the papers up and pointed to one word that was repeated over and over. The papers crackled in Justin’s hands.

It’s as if they’re alive, Tobias thought. As if they want me to tell Justin their secrets.

“Yes,” he answered. “I know what that word means. I figured it out just before you came in. But I don’t know everything, Justin. That word is just the first step.”

“It’s more than that,” Justin countered. “I’m sure it’s the key. That word is the vital element to uncovering the secret of eternal life. What is the word, Tobias? Tell me.”

Tobias took a deep breath. I have to tell him, he thought. I owe him that much.

“Blood,” he said in a harsh whisper.

A gust of cold air swept through the laboratory. The room was plunged into pitch darkness as every single candle in the room went out.

Chapter

8

Justin’s eyes shone in the darkness. The sight made Tobias shudder.

“Blood,” Justin cried. “Blood, I knew it! Now I have the answer. I have the key. I can live forever. I can do it!”

Justin threw back his head and laughed in triumph. The sound echoed in the dark laboratory.

Honoria is correct, Tobias thought. Something is terribly wrong with Justin. He’s obsessed by those papers. Obsessed with finding the secret of eternal life. Eternal life—for himself.

And he’s stopped wanting to do good for others, Tobias realized. He wants the secret all for himself now.

Tobias fumbled as he struggled to light a candle. Justin’s laughter went on and on.

I’ve got to make him stop, Tobias thought. I’ve got to make him see that what we’re doing could be dangerous.

A candle flame flared in the darkness.

“Justin, this power can be—” Tobias cried.

Justin abruptly stopped laughing. But his eyes still glowed with triumph.

“You’re about to say something sensible, aren’t you?” he asked. “Practical Tobias. You always take the straightforward approach. So tell me, why do you think the papers refer to blood?”

Tobias breathed a sigh of relief. Justin’s mood was still a strange one, but his terrible hysteria seemed to have passed.

“It must be a reference to the circulatory system,” Tobias said. “Perhaps the papers tell of a way to stimulate the blood so the heart always stays healthy and strong.”

“That’s exactly the kind of explanation I expected you to come up with,” Justin spat out. “Proper and scientific.”

“What other kind of explanation could there be?” Tobias asked. “We’re doctors, Justin. We must look for the scientific explanation. Otherwise, what we’re doing would be terrible evil. Rituals and dark magic.”

Justin set the papers down and stepped away from Tobias’s desk. “You’re absolutely right, of course,” he agreed. “Keep up the good work. Soon you’ll have all the papers translated. Then we’ll know the truth. A great discovery awaits us, Tobias.”

“I hope so,” Tobias answered.

Justin clapped him on the shoulder. “I know so,” he insisted. “But I mustn’t disturb you any longer. You have work to do, and Honoria is waiting.”

Justin headed for his side of the passageway. “Don’t work too long,” he taunted. “Some things don’t keep.”

What does he mean? Tobias wondered. Is he talking about Honoria?

I don’t understand him anymore, Tobias thought as he resumed his place at his desk.

I used to know him so well. He was like a brother to me. But now he feels like a stranger.

He glanced back over at Justin.

Justin had his handkerchief pressed to his lips. Tobias heard a sucking sound. Then he saw Justin’s tongue flick out and lick the cloth.

He used that handkerchief to stop Honoria’s hand from bleeding, Tobias thought.

Justin is drinking my Honoria’s blood!

PART THREE

Madeline

Chapter

9

Shadowbrook, New York, 1873

Madeline stood in the corridor. The old woman clung to her arm. Her jagged fingernails bit into Madeline’s flesh. Her grasp closed even tighter and Madeline felt her skin go numb.

“My Tobias,” the old woman wailed. “My Tobias. I know you have seen him. He knew the secret. Too late. Too late …” she moaned.

“Auntie!” Deborah’s voice rang out suddenly. “Stop that right now! Get away from her!”

The old woman dropped Madeline’s arm and spun around. Cackling wildly, she dashed down the hallway. She shoved her way past Deborah.

“Tobias! Tobias!” Madeline heard Auntie call as she vanished around the corner.

“Why did you just stand there?” Madeline cried in desperation. “Why didn’t you stop her?”

Deborah’s hands fluttered around her throat. “There now, my dear.” She put her arm around Madeline’s shoulders. “That’s only old Auntie. You needn’t be concerned about her. She’s perfectly harmless. She just wanders in her mind a bit, that’s all.”

“But who is she?” Madeline asked. She winced as her cousin’s hand closed over the bruises Auntie’s grip had left on Madeline’s arm.

Deborah shrugged. “To tell you the truth, no one really knows,” she answered. She led Madeline back down the hall.

“She was living in the house when Marcus and I bought this place. It was a condition of the sale that she be allowed to stay.”

What a strange arrangement, Madeline thought. But Deborah and Marcus appeared to be very poor. Perhaps the price of the house was low because Auntie would have to continue to live here. They may not have been able to afford any other place.

“I’m sorry if she frightened you,” Deborah continued. “This is her part of the house. What on earth were you doing so far from your room?”

Should I tell her? Should I tell her that the man I saw in the road this afternoon slipped into my bedroom? And that I chased him down this hallway?

Madeline remembered the conversation she overheard in her room between her cousins. Deborah and Marcus were already worried because they thought Madeline was imagining things.

What would they think if she told them the man was here, in their own house? In Madeline’s very own room?

They’ll think I’m insane. Just like Mama.

I can’t tell them. I can’t tell anyone.

“I tried to come downstairs to find you and Cousin Marcus,” she stammered. She hoped Deborah couldn’t tell she was lying. “I got confused by the corridors in the dark and lost my way.”

Deborah stared at Madeline, her eyes sharp. Madeline’s heart began to pound. What would she do if her cousin said she didn’t believe her?

“How unfortunate,” Deborah said at last. “It appears you’ve had a fright for nothing. But let’s not think about that any longer. I have exciting news. You received an invitation. Who do you suppose it’s from?”

Madeline felt her heart give a great leap. There was only one other person who she knew in Shadowbrook.

“Is the invitation from Dr. Fear?” she asked, trying to hide the eagerness in her voice.

“Dr. Fear,” Deborah teased as she led Madeline into her own dressing room. “My dear, how coy you are. Of course the invitation is from Justin. I could tell at once that he was quite smitten with you. He’s considered quite a catch in Shadowbrook, you know,” Deborah confided.

She guided Madeline to a soft chair. “All the other girls will be terribly jealous. Now, you must allow me to lend you a dress for your visit. I know you have clothes of your own, but I have something that I think is absolutely perfect.”

Madeline watched as Deborah flung open her wardrobe and began sorting through a row of dresses.

“But, Cousin Deborah,” she protested. “You and Cousin Marcus have already given me so much. I can’t take one of your dresses, too.”

Cousin Deborah laughed gaily. “Nonsense, my dear,” she said. “We must help you make the best possible impression on Justin. Ah, here it is.”

Madeline’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of the beautiful dress her cousin held up. The creamy white satin gown had long, sheer sleeves, a high back bustle and a long train. Tiny brilliants were stitched all over it. The beads sparkled and winked in the candlelight.

Deborah pulled Madeline to her feet and held the dress up against her slim form. Then she turned her around to face the large oval mirror.

“Oh, my dear. You’re breathtaking,” Deborah exclaimed.

Madeline felt herself blush as she admired her reflection. The pale white satin set off her dark hair and eyes to perfection.

I look like a fairy princess, she thought dreamily. Or like a—

“I can’t wait to see the expression on Justin’s face when he sees you in this dress,” Deborah gushed. “My dear, you’re going to look just like a bride.”

A bride!

Justin’s bride.

Madeline shivered. This room is so drafty, she thought.

“Heavens, my dear,” Deborah exclaimed. “What a strange reaction. You look as if somebody just walked across your grave.”

Chapter

10

As she strolled up the stone walk to Justin’s house, Madeline spotted Justin in the rose garden. She walked toward him, then stopped at the garden gate.

She felt her mouth go suddenly dry and her heart thudded with anticipation. Justin is so handsome, she thought, as she watched him moving among the fragrant flowers. His well-cut garments molded his perfect body. The clear morning sunlight turned his hair the color of spun gold.

What will he think of my new dress? Will he like it? Or will he think that it is too obvious? That I’m making a bid for his attention? Asking him to picture me as his bride?

Justin moved from rosebush to rosebush. At each bush, he stopped and stroked his fingertips across the petals of one of the blossoms. The bushes shivered and swayed at his touch.

Madeline leaned against the gate and it creaked beneath her weight.

Justin spun around instantly. “Madeline!” he cried.

“Hello, Justin,” Madeline shyly greeted him.

Justin smiled. He walked over to her and eased the gate open. “I’m so pleased you could come this afternoon,” he told her. “How are you feeling? Is your head bothering you at all?”

“Oh, no,” Madeline told him. “I had an excellent doctor.”

Justin grinned at her. “I thought we could have tea in the garden,” he said. He gestured to a small table surrounded by rosebushes.

“That sounds wonderful,” Madeline replied.

“Let’s take a walk around the garden first,” Justin said. “I’ve some rare and precious treasures here,” he confided.

The fragrance of the roses hung heavily in the air. Madeline breathed in the perfume deeply. A feeling of nausea swept over her. Bile rose in her throat. She swallowed down the bitter taste.

What’s the matter with me? Madeline thought. I love the scent of roses.

I’m just nervous about being alone with Justin, she decided. That’s all.

“It was very good of you to invite me,” Madeline said. “I hope I’m not interrupting your work.”

“I would never mind an interruption from you, Madeline,” Justin assured her. His blue eyes glowed warmly as he spoke. “I will always be pleased to see you. I hope you’ll believe that.”

“I want to believe it,” Madeline answered.

I didn’t mean to say that! she thought.

Justin’s eyes burned with a brilliant blue fire as he looked down at her. Madeline felt her whole body begin to flush.

How can I have such strong feelings for him already? I only just met him. Everything is happening much too fast!

But she couldn’t seem to stop the feelings of warmth and dreamy contentment that spread through her. Warmth that seemed to pour into her from Justin’s eyes.

Feeling hypnotized, she watched as he placed two fingers under her chin and tilted her face up.

He’s going to kiss me, Madeline realized. She felt sleepy, almost drugged. A strange heaviness filled her limbs. She felt powerless to stop him. Not that she wanted to.

Justin smiled, as if he knew her thoughts. Then he brought his lips down on hers.

Justin’s lips were firm and demanding. Madeline felt herself beginning to respond. She wrapped her arms around his neck and put her whole being into her kiss. Justin’s arms tightened until she couldn’t catch her breath.

I want to stay in his arms forever. This is where I belong.

The kiss ended and Justin pressed his lips against Madeline’s forehead.

“I knew it,” he murmured. “I knew you were the one.”

They stood with their arms around each other for a moment. Madeline could feel Justin’s heart pounding. She knew hers beat just as furiously. She felt light-headed and weak.

I mustn’t rush into anything. I should take more time, Madeline thought.

“Come,” Justin finally murmured. “We better do something a little more proper or we’ll shock the whole neighborhood. I know, I’ll cut a rose for you.”

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. Then he drew her toward the far end of the rose garden.

“This is my newest variety. My pride and joy. I’m going to call it a bridal rose. What do you think?”

Madeline stared down at the roses. The delicate white petals were splashed with red, like drops of blood. Thick red thorns studded the slim stems.

Madeline shivered.

“What’s the matter?” Justin asked. “Don’t you think they are beautiful?”

“Of course I do,” Madeline stammered. “I’ve just never seen roses like them. It looks like the whole bush is … spattered with blood.”

“Blood,” Justin echoed. He studied the rose for a moment. “It does, doesn’t it,” he said. “I never thought of it that way before.”

A strange smile flitted across his face. Madeline shivered again.

Justin knelt and cut a single rose from the bush. He stripped the thorns from the stem with his pocket knife. Then he tenderly placed it in Madeline’s hands. He curled her fingers around it, pressing them tightly down.

A sharp pain swept through Madeline’s palm and up her arm. “Justin,” Madeline cried. “Stop. You’re hurting me.”

But Justin only pressed her hand more tightly around the stem. Fiery jolts of pain shot up Madeline’s arm. Justin pressed her hand again.

Blood ran from between Madeline’s clenched fingers and dripped into the folds of her beautiful white dress.

She struggled, trying to twist her hand out of Justin’s grasp. Her efforts only increased the pain.

“Justin,” she gasped. “Please, let go.”

Justin wrapped his other hand around hers and squeezed it, tighter. And tighter. Black spots danced in front of Madeline’s eyes. Her ears rang. Her lungs ached with the effort of breathing.

“Justin,” she panted. “Justin. Let go!”

“Oh, Madeline,” Justin murmured. “We’re going to be so happy together. Can’t you just feel it?”

He raised her bloody hand and pressed it to his lips.

Madeline screamed.

Justin jerked his head back. Blood ran from the corners of his mouth and dripped down from his chin.

He licked his lips once. Twice. Then he smiled.

Madeline gasped at the sight of her blood smeared across his perfect white teeth. Justin ran his tongue across them. Madeline felt herself gag and pressed her hands over her mouth.

Justin flipped her hand over and pried Madeline’s fingers open. One rose thorn was embedded in the very center of her palm.

“Oh, no,” Justin cried. He yanked the thorn out. Madeline felt the terrible pain in her arm begin to ease a little, though her head still swam.

Justin raised her hand. Madeline felt his teeth bite into the flesh of her palm.

“Justin!” she cried. “What are you doing?”

Justin fastened his lips to the wound he created. And then he began to suck Madeline’s blood.

PART FOUR

Tobias

Chapter

11

Shadowbrook, New York, 1793

Tobias opened his journal and began to write.

Ever since I saw Justin drink Honoria’s blood, all I want to do is finish translating these old papers. I locked myself in my laboratory so I could work on them undisturbed.

I won’t even let Honoria come in to see me. I haven’t come out for days and days. I’m not sure how many.

I know Honoria is hurt. Our wedding is coming closer and closer. But I can’t stop working, not even for her. Until I’ve solved the mystery, I can’t rest.

Oh, my Honoria. Do you understand what I’m doing? Why I am behaving this way?

I’m trying to save us both. Trying to find a way out of all this. And the only way to do it is to uncover the true meaning of these papers.

What is the secret of eternal life? Why is blood the key?

Justin is acting more and more strangely. He comes to see me several times a day.

Each time, I can feel him watching. Waiting. It’s almost as if he knows something. Something that he isn’t telling me.

It only makes me more dtetermined to finish translating the papers. When I’m done, this horrible nightmare will all be over. I can marry Honoria. We can start a new life, somewhere far away.

Far away from Justin’s evil.

There, I’ve written it. The words I’ve been afraid to say. Justin’s evil.

I don’t know what is happening to Justin. But I do know that all goodness has left him. He no longer wants to uncover the secret of eternal life to help others. He wants to keep it all for himself.

I don’t understand how he could have changed so much. But I do know one thing.

I know that Justin is turning into something monstrous.

I don’t want what is happening to him to happen to me.

Exhausted, Tobias set his pen down. He dropped his head into his hands.

I can’t go on this way, he thought. I can’t go on much longer.

When he closed his eyes, images of the strange, ancient writing danced inside his head.

I’m so close. So close to uncovering the secret. So close to being able to take Honoria far away from here.

The thought of Honoria strengthened Tobias’s resolve to continue working. He lifted his head and pushed his journal aside. He began to study the papers again.

It is best if the innocent participates willingly, he translated. But it isn’t absolutely necessary. The thing that is most important is that the blood transfer take place.

Tobias wrinkled his forehead. This still doesn’t make any sense, he thought wearily. And I’ve been working on it for days.

Why wouldn’t someone be willing to undergo a procedure which would enable them to live forever? And why did the word translate as “innocent” instead of “patient?”

After the blood transfer, the soul of the innocent begins to fall under the power of the—

Here a word Tobias couldn’t translate appeared in the manuscript. He flipped through his notes.

The first part of the word was soul, he was sure of that. He recognized it from where it appeared earlier in the manuscript.

After the blood transfer, the soul of the innocent begins to fall under the power of the soul—

The soul what? Tobias thought. This just doesn’t make any sense. It’s more like a magic ritual than a medical procedure.

He opened a dictionary that had arrived just that morning. One that contained many of the ancient words in the papers. Tobias ran his fingers through the dusty old pages until he found the word he wanted.

He stared at it, his heart hammering.

Thief.

The word meant thief.

No! Tobias thought. This can’t be right. If the word was thief, then the sentence in the papers read:

After the blood transfer, the soul of the innocent begins to fall under the power of the soul-thief.

Soul-thief, Tobias thought. Soul-stealer.

The more pure and more beautiful the innocent, the papers continued, the more beautiful the soul-stealer will become. The soul-stealer will gain twenty years of life, for each innocent life he takes. Then, another must be taken for the soul-stealer to live on.

Another, Tobias thought. Another innocent victim. A cycle of evil that went on and on.

The way to live forever was not to stimulate the circulation of the blood. It was to drink it. To drink the innocent blood of others. To feed off them. To steal their very souls.

Tobias swept the papers and the dictionary off his desk. They fell to the floor with a crash.

Evil, Tobias thought. Unspeakable evil.

And it was just what Justin wanted.

Whose blood will he drink? Tobias thought. Who will be Justin’s first victim?

The memory of Justin licking the blood from Honoria’s handkerchief sprang into his mind.

No! Tobias thought. Not my Honoria!

Tobias glanced around the laboratory for a weapon. He scooped up one of his sharpest scalpels. Then he raced down the passage to Justin’s house.

After the blood transfer, the soul of the innocent begins to fall under the power of the soul-stealer.

The words repeated themselves again and again in Tobias’s mind.

I’ll find a way to stop you, Justin! Tobias vowed.

If he didn’t, he’d lose his reason to go on living.

Honoria.

Justin’s first innocent victim is going to be Honoria!

Chapter

12

Tobias dashed through the passage toward Justin’s home.

It’s so dark, he thought. Dark and airless. Justin could be hiding in this tunnel. Waiting for me …

He felt himself stumble, and he grabbed at the wall for balance. Then he raced on, gasping for breath.

Nothing is going to stop me from reaching Justin. I’ve got to protect Honoria.

A door loomed up before him. Tobias skidded to a halt.

Was Justin on the other side, waiting for him? Tobias pressed his ear against the door.

He didn’t hear a sound. The Fear house stood silent and still.

What if it’s all over? What if I figured everything out too late?

What if Honoria died thinking I didn’t care about her?

Creeeaak!

Tobias eased the door open and peeked out. Justin’s passage ended in his bedroom, just as Tobias’s did.

The room appeared empty. Tobias didn’t waste any more time. He dashed to the bedroom door, opened it slowly and stepped into the hall.

Tick. Tock.

Tick. Tock.

Tick. Tock.

The only sound Tobias could hear was Justin’s tall clock in the hallway. Silently, he crept along the upstairs hall. He glided down the stairs, his heart pounding.

I must be ready, he thought, tightening his hold on the scalpel. Justin could discover me at any time.

Don’t let me be too late, Tobias prayed. He heard a sound from the drawing room and started in that direction. Let Honoria be safe.

When he reached the room, a figure in white stood staring out the window. The full moon bathed the slim figure in an eerie, silvery light.

Tobias forgot the need for silence. “Honoria!” he cried out.

Breathless, he watched as Honoria slowly turned toward him. Her face looked ghostly pale in the moonlight. Her skin appeared almost translucent. Velvety purple shadows ringed her large eyes. Her once rosy lips were tinged with a bluish hue.

It is as if he’s draining her soul already, Tobias realized in horror. As if her spirit were wasting away.

“My Tobias,” Honoria whispered. “He told me you had forgotten all about me. That you no longer loved me. But I knew he lied. I knew you would come. You haven’t forgotten what today is, have you?”

She’s in her wedding dress, Tobias realized. He felt a sudden pain seize his heart. Our wedding day! Today is our wedding day.

He slipped the scalpel into the pocket of his coat and rushed toward her. Honoria took a step toward him, and collapsed into his arms.

“Honoria,” Tobias whispered helplessly. He stroked her golden hair and clasped her to his chest. Her skin felt cold. Deathly cold. “It’s all right,” he told her. “I’m here now, my love.”

Honoria trembled in his arms. He heard her try to speak as her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

“Don’t talk now,” he urged her. “Let me warm you.” He held her closer. His efforts did nothing to help her. Great shudders racked her body. She clung to Tobias, too weak to stand on her own.

“I knew it,” she repeated over and over. “I knew that you still loved me. I knew that you would come.”

While I hid myself away in the laboratory, working night and day for Justin, he worked night and day as well, scheming to destroy the woman I love.

“Honoria,” he begged. “Please, don’t cry. I’ll take you away from here today. I promise.”

“Oh, Tobias …” She sighed against his shoulder.

“It’s too late, Tobias,” a chilling voice behind him cried.

Tobias spun around quickly, thrusting Honoria behind him to shield and protect her. Justin stood at the drawing room door.

Justin’s eyes burned with an eerie, bright blue flame. His lips were bright red, as red as Honoria’s heart’s blood.

Evil, Tobias thought. Justin embodies evil.

And I’m the only one who can stop him.

Vomit rose to clog Tobias’s throat. He could taste it, sour and disgusting. Feel it burn the back of his throat.

“She will never be yours,” he panted. He jerked his scalpel out of his pocket. “I know what you intend to do. I will kill you before I let you hurt her.”

Justin threw back his head and laughed.

“You can’t hurt me, Tobias,” he answered as he swaggered into the room. “I’m stronger than you are. And smarter. Richer and better looking. Face it, my friend, I’ve always been a better man than you. But I’m prepared to be generous, just like always.”

Justin smiled and Tobias backed up a step.

“I’ll share her with you, Tobias. We can both drink her blood. That way we can both live forever, Tobias. We can have everything we ever wanted.

“You’d like that, Tobias, wouldn’t you? Wouldn’t you? Drink her blood, Tobias.”

PART FIVE

Madeline

Chapter

13

Shadowbrook, New York, 1873

Justin’s lips curled against Madeline’s palm as he sucked her blood.

Madeline heard the slurping sound of his mouth against her warm, wet hand. The sound made her feel as if she were going insane.

She screamed at the top of her lungs and struggled wildly. Justin closed his eyes, his lips fastening even more tightly to her flesh.

His grip on her wrist was stronger than an iron manacle. She tried to pull her arm away, and he twisted her wrist until she felt as if the bone would snap in two.

Madeline felt his powerful body drawing the blood from her body in great gulps. Her legs felt heavy and thick. Her head was dizzy and light. She glanced around the garden, desperate for help.

Her vision blurred and spun. All she could see were roses. Rosebushes as huge as houses, spinning around her. Closing in on her. Suffocating her with their disgusting perfume. Draining her life’s blood away with their sharp prickly thorns… .

She closed her eyes and gathered her last shreds of strength. I’ve got to stop him. I’ve got to stop him before he kills me. Before he drinks every last drop of my blood.

Justin’s blue eyes stared up at her. Madeline gazed back, mesmerized. As she watched, the whites of Justin’s eyes slowly turned red.

They’re filling up with my blood!

Madeline lashed out. She pushed Justin backward with every bit of her remaining strength.

Justin tumbled over, tangling in the rosebushes. He jumped up and tried to grab her. But the prickly branches clung to his clothes, pulling him back into their thorny embrace.

Madeline turned and ran. But her legs were so heavy, she could hardly move them.

I’ve got to get away from here. I’ve got to get away from Justin.

“Madeline,” Justin cried behind her. “Don’t go. You don’t understand. I had to do it.”

Madeline felt his hands tugging on her skirts. I can’t let him catch me! If he does, I’ll surely die.

She stomped down on Justin’s hand, crushing Justin’s fingers. Justin gave a terrible cry. Madeline staggered forward, stumbling across the garden. She pushed open the garden gate and dashed out into the road.

I’ve got to run home. It’s my only chance. I’ve got to run home.

Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus will protect me. They will keep me safe from Justin.

Madeline’s legs felt so stiff and heavy—like blocks of solid wood. Every step she took made her head pound and her teeth rattle.

Run. Run for home.

“Madeline!” she heard Justin call behind her. “You don’t understand,” Justin shouted. “The thorn was poisonous. It could have killed you. I had to suck the poison out.”

Madeline didn’t believe him. She had seen his face. He wanted to do it. He wanted to drink her blood.

She heard Justin’s footsteps on the roadway behind her. Faster and faster the steps came. Soon he would catch up with her.

Then he’ll finish the job he started, Madeline thought. She plunged off the road. She lost her footing on the rough ground of the steep embankment. She fell and began to roll and roll.

“Madeline!” she heard Justin call. “Where are you?”

Brambles tore at Madeline’s hair and skirts as she tumbled down the steep hill. She gritted her teeth and covered her face with her hands as her body bounced against branches and rocks.

Crash!

She smashed into a tree trunk. The air whooshed from her lungs.

“Madeline,” Justin called again. His voice sounded closer.

No, Madeline thought in horror. No!

She scrambled across the moist earth on her hands and knees. The leaf mold felt slick beneath her.

Her dress. She’d surely ruined her beautiful white dress. But she didn’t care. Nothing mattered but escaping Justin.

If I can crawl far enough into these woods, Justin won’t be able to see me from the road. I’ll be hidden by the trees, she thought.

Madeline’s hand slipped and she plunged facedown on the leaves. Worms oozed out of the damp leaf mold. Madeline felt them slither down the back of her neck. She bit her tongue to keep from screaming as they wriggled across her face and ears.

Madeline jerked her head back and frantically brushed the worms away. Clumps of leaves stuck to her hair and face. One fat, red worm dangled down from her forehead, twisting and turning. Madeline opened her mouth to scream.

The worm dropped toward her mouth. Madeline snapped her mouth shut. She batted the worm away.

“Madeline! I know you’re there. Don’t hide from me. Wherever you are, I will find you!” she heard Justin shout.

Madeline shoved herself to her feet. She lifted her dress and dashed through the leaves. Her legs pumped wildly as she raced through the woods. Through the dense cover of the trees. Down the hill toward her cousins’ house.

Finally, she saw the looming outline of the old house. If I can just reach home, I’ll be safe, she thought.

Tree branches whipped by Madeline. Twigs clawed at her clothing. Leaves tangled in her hair.

Keep going. I’ve got to keep on going.

Breathless, she staggered to the back door. She reached out and seized the doorknob.

It felt stuck. The door wouldn’t open.

No, Madeline thought in horror. No!

She lifted her hand to rap on the glass window—and someone grabbed her by the shoulders.

Justin!

Chapter

14

Madeline spun around, ready to attack.

Her cousin Deborah stood behind her. “Good heavens!” Deborah cried. She gave the door a hard shove. It popped open. “What happened, Madeline? Why, look at your dress. Whatever is going on?”

“Oh, Cousin Deborah,” Madeline gasped as she tumbled through the doorway. “I’m so glad to see you. Quick, lock the door behind us. Please!”

“Lock the door?” Deborah echoed. “Heavens, child, don’t be ridiculous. We never lock doors around here. There isn’t any need.”

“There is now,” Madeline panted. “Please, do as I ask, Cousin Deborah. Justin will be here any moment. You’ve got to protect me from him. You’ve got to help me get away.”

“Protect you from Justin?” Cousin Deborah repeated. “Madeline Simms, whatever do you mean?”

“He hurt me,” Madeline stammered. “He chased me through the woods. He—”

Her voice stuck in her throat.

“Now you come right into the kitchen with me, young lady,” Cousin Deborah commanded, grabbing her by the wrist. She led Madeline through the pantry and into the large, cold kitchen. Madeline saw none of the servants. She hoped Marcus wasn’t at home, either. She felt relieved that no one but Deborah would see her in such a wild state.

With a gentle push, Deborah sat Madeline down in a chair. “You rest,” Deborah instructed. “While I clean you up a bit, you tell me everything.”

“There isn’t time,” Madeline protested. She started to rise out of the chair, but Deborah pushed her back down. “Please, Cousin Deborah, you’ve got to listen to me.”

“I intend to listen to you,” Deborah answered. “Just sit still and do as I say, dear,” she ordered in a gentle but firm tone. “My, but you are in a state, aren’t you?”

Deborah took a cloth and bowl of water from the sideboard and dabbed at Madeline’s face.

Madeline took a deep breath and stared down at the floor. Yes, Deborah was right. She had to get control of herself. If she sounded hysterical, no one would believe her. Her cousin would think she’d imagined it all.

Deborah would think she had gone mad.

But she wasn’t insane. She had not imagined the way Justin Fear sucked her blood.

Madeline sat perfectly still as Deborah washed the dirt from her face and plucked the leaves from her hair.

Madeline looked down at her hands. She slowly turned her left hand over. Her stomach churned with nausea at the sight of the bloody gash in the center of her palm.

The wound where Justin’s mouth had fastened. And sucked her blood.

No, she had not imagined a thing.

Her cousin soothed her as she fussed with Madeline’s hair. “Now,” she said, “tell me everything.”

Madeline pressed her hands together. She couldn’t stand looking at the bloody gash on her palm for another instant. In a trembling voice, she related what happened in the rose garden. She stumbled when she told how Justin sucked her blood. But she forced herself to tell Cousin Deborah everything.

Finally, she lifted her hand and showed Deborah the jagged gash in her palm. Deborah barely glanced at it.

“Well.” Deborah sighed. “That’s quite a story, I must say.”

“You don’t believe me, do you?” Madeline cried, leaping to her feet. “You’re not going to help me. You think I’m insane.”

“There, there, my dear,” Deborah murmured soothingly. “Calm yourself.”

Madeline put her hands over her ears. “Don’t say that!” she shouted, losing control completely. “That’s what everybody always said to Mama.”

Madeline began to laugh wildly. Mama! I mentioned Mama, she thought. Now everyone will know that I am crazy.

Deborah slapped Madeline sharply across the face.

Madeline’s cheek stung. Her whole face tingled. She collapsed onto the kitchen chair. Her head dropped against the table as she tried to hold back hysterical sobs.

I can’t start crying. If I do, I know I’ll never stop.

“I’m sorry I had to do that, Madeline,” Deborah apologized as she patted Madeline’s shoulder. “But your behavior left me no other choice. And it’s a good thing you brought up your mother. I wanted to do it myself, but I didn’t know how. I know your mother was—not quite right in the head.”

“Say it,” Madeline whispered. She lifted her head and stared straight at her cousin. “Go ahead. My mother was crazy and you think I’m just like her.”

“No, I don’t think you’re just like her,” Deborah answered. She sat down next to Madeline.

“Not yet. But I think you could be like your mother, Madeline. Particularly if you keep letting your imagination carry you away.

“You are very important to Justin, Madeline. Your Cousin Marcus and I both saw that at once. Yesterday Justin took care of you after your accident. Why on earth would he want to hurt you today?”

“I don’t know,” Madeline replied. “Cousin Deborah, I just don’t know.”

“Didn’t he offer any explanation for what happened?”

Madeline thought for a moment. Justin had called some sort of explanation after her, hadn’t he?

“I think he said something about the rose thorn being poisonous,” she answered slowly. “That he had to suck the blood out to make sure the poison wouldn’t hurt me.”

Deborah clapped her hands in excitement. “There! You see? It’s a perfectly logical explanation. Justin is a doctor. He knows about such things. Why on earth didn’t you believe him?”

“Because—” Madeline began, then stopped.

Why didn’t I believe him? It all seems so hazy now.

“Did something else happen in the rose garden, perhaps?” Deborah asked, her sharp green eyes watching Madeline closely. “Something you’re not telling me?”

Madeline felt her face start to burn.

Deborah pounced. “So, something else did happen.”

Madeline nodded. “Justin kissed me.”

Deborah uttered a delighted squeal and clapped her hands again. “I knew it!” She reached over and hugged Madeline in a suffocating embrace. “I see what happened now. It’s all so simple. But I’m not surprised you didn’t see the answer, my dear. You’re only a young girl, after all. Justin’s kiss must have awakened strong feelings in you.”

Deborah sounded so knowing. So wise about such matters. Is that what happened? Madeline wondered.

“You were in such a state,” Deborah reminded her. “Your emotions were heightened. Then something frightening and unexpected occurred. Your imagination got the better of you. You lost control. You’ll have to work on that, my dear. We don’t want you turning out like your poor mother.”

Madeline’s relief was so great that she felt dizzy. Deborah’s explanation made perfect sense.

Justin’s kiss had aroused deep feelings in her. He wasn’t trying to hurt me, Madeline thought. It was just my overactive imagination running away with me. That’s all.

If I can control it, I won’t end up like Mama. All I have to do is stay in control.

“I’m afraid I have to say this, Madeline,” Deborah continued. “I don’t want to upset you anymore. But you owe Justin Fear an apology. I think you should go over there right now.”

“Now?” Madeline gasped. “So soon? Oh, Cousin Deborah, I couldn’t.”

“Nonsense,” Cousin Deborah said briskly, pulling Madeline up from her chair. “It’s just like climbing back on a horse after you take a bad fall. It’s better not to think about it too much. Just do it and get it over with.”

“But I feel so embarrassed now at the way I acted,” Madeline confessed. “And look at me,” she stared down at her tattered, dirty dress. “I look a sight!”

“Let’s go right upstairs, put a fresh dress on and fix your lovely hair. You’ll be as good as new,” Deborah assured her.

She looked at Madeline slyly. “Confess. Wouldn’t you like to kiss and make up with Justin?”

Madeline felt a quick burst of emotion as she remembered the feeling of belonging in Justin’s arms. “Yes,” she admitted. “I’ll go apologize right now.”

Deborah smiled approvingly. For the first time, Madeline noticed how sharp her teeth were. She looks like she wants to take a bite out of me, Madeline thought.

I must stop thinking things like that, Madeline told herself. I must stop seeing danger everywhere. I’ve got to stay in control.

If I can just stay in control, everything will be all right. I can win my own happiness.

But first, I have to win back Justin Fear.

Chapter

15

Madeline quickly changed her dress and set out for Justin’s house. Now that she had decided to apologize to him, she didn’t want to waste any time.

She didn’t want to go back through the woods, where she had been so frightened earlier. But it was the shortest way to Justin’s house.

The woods stood dark and silent. Hardly a breath of air stirred. The skies had clouded over. Low, heavy clouds.

I’ve been so ungenerous, Madeline thought, as she hurried through the tangled trees and shrubs. Justin cut me one of the prize roses from his garden. He held me in his arms and kissed me.

And all I’ve done is mistake his actions. I’ve got to tell him that I’m sorry before he decides he never wants to see me again.

Quickly. Quickly!

Snap!

A twig snapped behind her, breaking the silence of the forest. Heart pounding, Madeline whirled around.

Nothing there. Only tree branches swaying gently. But Madeline couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something wrong.

Someone is watching me. I can feel his eyes.

Watching. Waiting.

She peered into the shadows. Her heartbeat quickened.

“Who’s there?” she called, her voice tiny in the silence. “Justin? Is that you?”

There wasn’t any answer.

I’ve got to stop this! Madeline scolded herself. It’s just my foolish imagination, running away with me again. Well, I’m not going to let it get the better of me this time.

Madeline turned back around.

She screamed.

The man she had chased down the long, dark corridors of her cousins’ house stood right in front of her.

His dark eyes glowed with a mad intensity. His face twisted in pain.

He stretched his arms out, his hands curved into claws. He was ready to grab her if she dared take even a single step forward.

Madeline couldn’t stand to look at him. She lowered her gaze to the forest floor.

She gasped aloud and jumped backward.

The man’s feet! They floated above the ground!

Madeline felt hysterical laughter rising up her throat. It burst out of her. She began to laugh and laugh.

He’s a ghost! My mysterious pursuer is a ghost.

No! It’s just my imagination. Just my imagination. There’s no such thing as a ghost.

I’ve got to stop laughing! I’m going to turn out like Mama. I’m going insane.

The man lunged at her.

Madeline’s laughter spiralled up into a scream. She leaped out of his way. Then she lifted her skirts and raced through the trees. She had to get home.

Madeline dashed madly through the dark forest. Thick shadows engulfed her and she could barely see the ground ahead of her. Her legs ached as she raced on. Her breath burned in her throat as she gasped for air.

She glanced back and saw only darkness and the dim outline of trees. I can’t go back to Cousin Deborah’s. She would surely think I’m insane now. I’ve got to try to reach Justin, Madeline decided.

She changed direction abruptly, angling down the hill toward Justin’s house.

The man appeared in front of her the second she turned around. He floated in the air above her head, now twice the size he had been.

His eyes burned in their sockets. His lips curled back as if he were desperately trying to speak. Yet she heard no sound. He waved his arms wildly, grabbing at her with his monstrous hands.

He wants me to die, Madeline thought. He wants to kill me.

Why? Why?

“Why do you want to hurt me?” Madeline cried, struggling to control her terror. “I’ve never done anything to you!”

The man’s body stretched and stretched. His image filled the entire sky. Madeline’s gaze fixed on his blood-soaked clothing. So much blood. Her stomach churned and her knees buckled at the revolting sight.

“I won’t let you get me!” Madeline screamed. “I won’t.”

Crack!

Madeline felt the earth beneath her feet tremble. She lost her footing and fell to the ground. The ground split open.

She clawed the earth desperately as she felt it crumple away beneath her. Opening up into a huge hole.

Madeline’s body dangled over the edge of a wide, deep pit. She quickly glanced over her shoulder, trying to see the bottom. She couldn’t. The hole was black and bottomless.

Madeline clung to the soft earth at the edge with all her might. But slowly, she began to slide. Slide into the pit.

Madeline grabbed a thick root. “Help me! Please! Somebody!” she cried. “Somebody, please help me!”

She held her breath and listened. She prayed someone had heard her cries.

No answer. No sound of footsteps approaching.

A shower of earth and twigs and tiny stones hit Madeline in the face. She felt the root begin to give.

I’m going to fall! I’m going to be buried alive!

Madeline spotted another root. She wrapped her fingers around it and scrambled up the side of the hole. I’m not going to fall in there! she thought. I’m going to get to Justin.

She flung herself over the edge of the pit, and crawled to solid ground. Then she struggled to her feet on shaky legs.

Madeline leaned forward and planted her hands on her knees. She had to catch her breath before she could move on.

A powerful gust of wind swept through the forest. The tree above her gave a horrifying groan. Then it split in half, as if chopped in two by a huge axe.

The heavy tree crashed down. Its branches whipped Madeline’s face as it slammed to the forest floor.

Madeline felt blood dripping from her nose. She began to choke.

I’ve got to get out of here. I’ve got to run, run, run!

But she couldn’t run. The pit the ghost had created stretched in front of her, too big to go around.

Too wide to jump across.

The tree! One half of the tree had fallen across the pit. I can use it as a bridge, Madeline thought. It’s my only chance. My only chance to get to Justin.

Madeline crawled out onto the enormous tree trunk. It was so big, Madeline couldn’t get her arms around it. She held on to branches on either side.

I’m climbing a tree, that’s all. Climbing a tree. I did it all the time when I was a child.

Madeline’s head swam with pain and dizziness. Her arms ached with the effort she was making to hold on. Inch by painful inch, she moved along the tree trunk.

Don’t look down. Don’t look down. Just concentrate on getting to the other side.

She lifted her head—and looked straight into the ghost’s burning eyes.

Madeline screamed and lost her hold on the tree trunk. She slipped down one side. She grabbed hold of one of the branches.

Madeline’s feet dangled over the deep pit. The weight of her skirts pulled her down, down, down.

She could hear the bones in her arm crack with the effort she was making not to lose her grip. With her last ounce of strength, she kicked up with her legs and wrapped them around the tree trunk.

Madeline clung to the underside of the branch, totally exhausted.

So close! I got so close to reaching my goal. But I’ll never be able to do it now.

The tree branch she clung to began to break.

This is the end. I’m going to die.

The branch snapped off at the trunk. The wind whistled in Madeline’s ears as she swung through the air. She hit the side of the ravine with a force that knocked the breath right out of her body.

Madeline’s legs began to slip off the tree trunk.

She was falling.

Ice cold hands reached out and grabbed her by the wrist.

The ghost! It has me!

Chapter

16

The ghost pulled Madeline out of the pit and into its arms. She stared up at it.

Justin!

It wasn’t the ghost. It was Justin.

“Justin?” Madeline asked in a dazed voice. “Is it really you?”

“Hush, Madeline,” Justin instructed, laying a cold finger across her lips. “Everything is all right. You’re safe now.”

It was Justin’s touch I felt. Not the ghost’s!

“Oh, Justin!” Madeline cried. She buried her face against his chest. “You saved me, didn’t you?”

“Of course I did,” Justin replied. “You’re very important to me, Madeline. Even when you disappoint me.”

Madeline lifted her face up. She knew she had to apologize. “Oh, Justin. I’m so ashamed of the way I acted earlier. I was on my way back to you, to apologize. To ask how I could make things up to you. Then this—accident happened.”

Justin smiled. “I’m glad to know you were coming back to me,” he answered. “If you really want to make things up to me, you can do something.”

“What?” Madeline asked, her heart beating like thunder. There was a special warmth in Justin’s eyes.

“Marry me, Madeline.”

Madeline’s whole body tingled. He wanted to marry her! Wanted her to be his wife! She felt so happy, she wanted to clap her hands with joy. She stared into his burning blue gaze as he awaited her answer.

“Justin, there’s something you should know first,” she replied slowly.

Justin’s expression darkened. “Are you making excuses? Saying you don’t want to be my wife?”

“Of course not,” Madeline answered quickly. “I want to marry you more than anything in the whole world.”

When she realized what she said, she blushed furiously. Justin only smiled.

“You’re so lovely when you do that.” He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “Does that mean the answer is yes?”

“Justin,” she said seriously. “I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. Before I give you my answer, there’s something about my past I have to tell you. You might not want me, once you know.”

“I will always want you, Madeline,” Justin answered, his arms tightening around her. “Nothing will ever change that. But tell me your story, if it will make you feel better.”

Madeline looked up into Justin’s beautiful sky-blue eyes.

“My mother went insane,” she confided. She took a deep breath. “Everyone thinks my parents died in an accident. But the truth is …”

I can’t, Madeline thought. How can I tell him what really happened?

“What?” Justin asked. “You can tell me anything.”

“The truth is my mother killed my father. Then she shot herself,” Madeline confessed.

“Madeline,” Justin whispered. “How horrible for you.”

“But don’t you see, Justin?” Madeline said urgently. “What if I’m just like my mother? What if we get married and then I go insane? What if I try to hurt you? Is that the kind of wife you want? Is it, Justin?”

Justin leaned down and kissed her swiftly. “You aren’t going to go insane, and you aren’t going to hurt me. I’m not going to let you. I’m a doctor, remember? That makes me the perfect husband for you. And the only kind of wife I want is you.”

Madeline felt her heart swell with happiness. Justin knew her darkest, most terrible secret. And he still wanted to marry her.

“Are you sure?” she whispered, staring up at him.

“Very sure,” Justin promised her. A smile played around the corners of his mouth. “May I have my answer now, please? I think I’ve waited long enough.”

Madeline smiled back at him. For the first time since she arrived in Shadowbrook, she felt completely at peace.

I was right. This place is a whole new beginning. I’ll build a brand-new life here. A life that will wipe away the horrors of the past. A life where I don’t have to end up crazy, like Mama did.

“The answer is yes, Justin,” she answered, her heart singing. “I will marry you.”

The rest of the day passed in a happy blur.

Deborah and Marcus were overjoyed at the news of Madeline’s engagement. Deborah began planning a party to make the announcement right away. Justin insisted it be held at his house.

Justin rushed around, making special arrangements for them to be married in just a few days’ time.

“There’s no reason to wait,” Deborah told Madeline gaily as they climbed the stairs at bedtime.

“We want you to become Mrs. Justin Fear as soon as possible. Oh, I’m so happy,” Deborah went on, giving Madeline a hug as they stood outside her bedroom. “This is just like a fairy tale. You go to bed now and get plenty of beauty sleep. Sweet dreams, my dear.”

Madeline felt exhausted by the time she crawled into bed. But so happy.

Who could have guessed I would be engaged to Justin in just two days? she thought. But I’m sure I’m not going too fast. Sure we belong together.

Madeline fell asleep with a smile on her face.

♦ ♦ ♦

Madeline awoke several hours later, her heart pounding.

What is it? What woke me?

She sat up in bed and stared into the darkness, her ears straining for the slightest sound.

Step … drag …

Step … drag …

Step …

It’s the old woman Cousin Deborah calls Auntie! She’s coming down the hall. Down the hall toward my room.

Quickly, Madeline threw the covers back and scrambled out of bed. She was determined not to let Auntie catch her off guard again.

Cousin Deborah might think she’s harmless, but I’m not so sure I agree.

She picked up a heavy brass candlestick and crept toward her bedroom door.

Step … drag …

Step … drag …

Step …

Madeline listened as Auntie came closer and closer. She heard the old woman’s heavy breathing just outside the door.

With quivering fingers, Madeline reached for the doorknob. She flung the door open. Auntie stood before her in the hall.

“Marry Justin Fear,” Auntie whispered, “and you will surely die!”

Chapter

17

“What nonsense! How dare you say something so cruel?” Madeline exclaimed.

Auntie scuttled past Madeline into the bedroom. She closed the door behind them.

“Shhhh,” Auntie warned, raising a finger dramatically to her lips. “Not so loud. Nobody must hear us. Nobody must know.”

“Know what?” Madeline asked.

“That I came to see you. That I told you the truth.”

“I already know the truth about Justin, Auntie. He loves me and he wants to marry me.”

“Noooo,” Auntie moaned. She paced around Madeline’s room. Her candle cast weird shadows on the walls.

“That way lies danger. If you marry Justin, you will die. You must listen to me,” she urged. She sounded close to tears. “You must believe me, child.”

It’s probably better for me to let her tell her story, Madeline realized. If I don’t, she’ll never calm down. She’ll wake up the whole house. I don’t want to have to explain her presence in my room to Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus.

“All right, Auntie,” she agreed. She placed her candle on the dressing table. “I’ll listen. I promise.”

Madeline gently led Auntie to a chair by the bed. She felt so frail.

“Oh, you’re a good girl, aren’t you?” Auntie crooned as she sat down.

“Too good for the horrible fate that awaits you. Too good for Justin Fear,” she moaned, shaking her head. “I’ve got to try to save you. I couldn’t save the others. Oh, my Tobias! I failed. I failed.”

She is mad, Madeline thought. Completely mad.

Auntie shuddered, rocking from side to side. “The Fears have always been evil,” she whispered. “Evil upon evil for time out of mind. But there is one name that causes even other Fears to hide their heads in terror.

“That name is Justin Fear.”

“But he’s so kind,” Madeline protested. “The first time I saw him, I thought he was an angel.”

“A fallen angel,” Auntie insisted. “Do not allow his appearance to mislead you. Justin always was incredibly handsome, even when he was young.”

“When he was young?” Madeline echoed. “Auntie, you’re not making any sense. Justin is young.”

“Oh, no, my dear,” Auntie answered, shaking her head. “The handsome young face you see is nothing more than illusion built on evil. Justin Fear is as old as I am. Even older. Why, he’s nearly a hundred years old.”

“A hundred years old!” Madeline exclaimed. She felt like laughing, but didn’t want to hurt the old woman’s feelings. “But he doesn’t look any older than twenty, Auntie. How is that possible?” she asked.

“Evil can make almost anything possible,” Auntie insisted. “In Justin’s case, he traveled the world, studying strange and ancient rituals until he found the one he wanted. The one that would keep him handsome and young forever.”

Auntie sat up straight and gripped Madeline’s hand. She stared into Madeline’s eyes with a burning gaze. “Justin Fear is a soul-stealer.”

Soul-stealer? What on earth did she mean? Madeline felt suddenly dizzy. The whole story grew more and more bizarre.

“That’s simply not possible,” Madeline snapped. She pulled her hand from Auntie’s grasp. “How can you steal someone’s soul?”

“By using the dark arts,” Auntie replied. “And by twisting love. Justin is still young and handsome because he married four beautiful young women who loved him with all their hearts. But he repaid their devotion by taking their lives and stealing their youth and beauty all for himself.”

Madeline felt chills course through her body at Auntie’s words. She didn’t want to believe the rambling old woman. Yet deep in her heart, she felt the words ring true.

“They were just seventeen when he married them,” Auntie continued. “Not one of them lived to see her eighteenth birthday. Their bones are buried deep beneath the roses in his garden. Isn’t that right, my Tobias?”

Madeline remembered Justin’s beautiful rose garden. She remembered how he kissed her there for the very first time.

She remembered the strange feeling there. The suffocating perfume of the flowers. The looming presence of the huge bushes, their thick thorns and heavy flowers.

Had Justin kissed her as they stood on the very ground where the bones of his previous wives were buried?

“No,” Madeline whispered. “I don’t believe you. No!”

“He wants to do the same to you!” Auntie insisted, rising to her feet. “He wants your beauty. He wants your soul. And there’s only one way to save yourself. Only one way for you to escape his evil trap.”

“I won’t hear you,” Madeline argued back. “I won’t listen.”

She put her hands over her ears. But Auntie’s words penetrated the barrier.

“You must scar yourself,” she whispered in an eerie voice. “You must destroy your own beauty so you will be of no use to him. Or, if you are very brave, you can end the evil now and forever.”

“How?” Madeline whispered in spite of herself. “How do I do it?”

“Injure the soul-stealer instead of yourself,” Auntie instructed. “Wound him so that his blood flows freely.”

PART SIX

Tobias

Chapter

18

Shadowbrook, New York, 1793

Justin’s voice went on and on. Whispering temptation upon temptation to Tobias. Promising him horrible things.

Things that were impossible to imagine. Things that could only be purchased one way.

With the blood of an innocent victim.

Honoria.

I can live forever, if I drink Honoria’s blood.

“Think of it, Tobias,” Justin whispered. “We can live forever. Everyone around us will grow old and weak. But we will always be young and strong.

“Honoria’s blood can give us that, Tobias. It will make it possible for us to cheat death. It’s what we worked our whole lives for. Isn’t that what you want?”

Tobias’s head spun. He felt confused and disoriented, as if he were drunk.

Justin is right, he thought. We worked for years to uncover the secret of eternal life. And now I’m going to pass it up. I’m going to throw it all away. But I can’t remember why.

Tobias could feel his grip on the scalpel start to weaken.

“That’s right, Tobias,” Justin instructed in the same soothing tone. “Now put the scalpel down.”

Tobias’s fingers loosened around the scalpel. It slipped to the floor.

“Tobias,” Honoria moaned behind him. “Oh, my Tobias, don’t betray me.”

The sound of her voice snapped Tobias back to reality. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

Justin nearly tricked me into destroying the woman I love, he realized. He is like an evil magician casting a spell.

“It won’t work, Justin,” Tobias panted.

“You will be sorry, Tobias,” Justin replied in a low, tense voice. “You were my friend once. Your work was very helpful to me. But now I don’t need you anymore. I’m going to teach you a lesson, Tobias. The last one you’ll ever learn.

“I’m going to teach you how powerless you are to stop me. I’m going to drain Honoria’s blood and you are going to watch. You’re going to watch me become more powerful than any creature you have ever dreamed of.

“And then, Tobias, you are going to die.”

“No!” Tobias cried, springing forward. He lowered his head and rammed it into Justin’s stomach. Justin fell back with a grunt. He tripped over a chair and sprawled onto the carpet. Tobias tumbled down on top of him.

Justin’s eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow. He lost consciousness, Tobias thought. Now is my chance to finish things, once and for all.

He grabbed the scalpel from the carpet and raised it over Justin’s chest. But he couldn’t plunge it into Justin’s chest. Something held him back.

This was Justin. The one who always helped him. The only friend Tobias ever had.

I can’t kill Justin. I can’t, he thought a little wildly.

Don’t think of him as Justin, Tobias told himself. This isn’t Justin. Not the man who was my best friend.

This is someone else. Someone consumed with evil. Someone who wants to do unnatural things. He’ll destroy me and Honoria, if I let him.

Justin, forgive me!

Tobias closed his eyes and plunged the scalpel down.

Justin’s arm swept up to block it.

Tobias’s eyes flew open. The scalpel fell harmlessly to Justin’s chest.

“I told you, Tobias,” Justin murmured, his blue eyes on fire with triumph. “I told you I was stronger than you.” Justin snatched up the scalpel and slashed the blade at Tobias.

Tobias flung himself sideways onto the carpet. Justin scrambled after him.

Over and over the two young men tumbled. Justin slashing, Tobias trying to avoid the blade.

Tobias’s whole chest felt as if it were on fire. The air burned going in and out of his lungs. Justin is right, he thought in desperation. He is stronger than I am. I’m going to lose.

Justin pinned Tobias to the ground. I’m going to die, Tobias thought. And Honoria is going to become the first victim of the soul-stealer.

I’m sorry, Honoria. I should have protected you. I should have seen the truth in time.

Justin leaned over Tobias, scalpel in his hand. “You dared to challenge me,” he panted. “And now you’re going to suffer the consequences. Say your prayers quickly, Tobias. It’s time for you to die.”

The silver scalpel glistened as Justin raised the weapon high.

“Noooo!” Honoria flung herself at Justin. He jerked back his arm—and the sharp blade of the scalpel sliced across her face.

Bright red blood spurted out over Tobias.

“Honoria,” Justin screamed. “What have you done?”

Chapter

19

Justin staggered across the drawing room. The dripping scalpel hung from his hand. His eyes were no longer filled with evil triumph. Now they were wild and desperate.

Something has happened that I don’t understand, Tobias thought as he struggled to sit up. Something has gone wrong with Justin’s plan.

“Honoria,” Justin screamed again. “What have you done? I wanted you to be perfect and beautiful. I wanted you to pass your beauty on to me. That way I could be young and handsome forever. Now you’ve ruined everything.”

Honoria swayed back and forth. Tobias could see her white cheekbone poking out through the bloody cut on her face.

She threw her head back and began to laugh and laugh. Blood ran from her cheek into her hair. It splashed onto her white satin wedding gown.

She doesn’t even feel the pain yet, Tobias thought. She’s hysterical. She’s going into shock. I’ve got to get her out of here before it’s too late.

He staggered to his feet and stumbled toward Honoria. Justin didn’t pay any attention to him.

“Stop it,” Justin cried at Honoria. “Stop laughing at me.”

“You said Tobias wasn’t strong enough to defeat you,” Honoria taunted. “But I was, Justin. I was. Now you can never use me for your evil purposes. You’ve lost and I am free.”

Justin screamed in outrage. He ran toward her, swinging the scalpel in front of him.

Tobias summoned all his strength. He seized Honoria and thrust her through the drawing room door.

“Run, Honoria,” he shouted. “Run!”

He shoved her down the hallway and slammed the door behind her.

“Tobias!” Honoria screamed from the hall. “Tobias be careful!”

“Tobias,” Justin roared behind him. He thrust the scalpel into the side of Tobias’s neck. It burst through the front of his throat.

Tobias gagged and choked. Blood splattered against the drawing room door.

Blood! My blood! Too much of it. I’m going to die.

But not until I stop anyone else from performing this evil. No one else must be able to do what Justin Fear has done.

I’ll defeat you yet, Justin. I’ll defeat you! Even if I die. I’ll haunt you after death. I’ll find a way to stop this evil.

Even if it takes until the end of time.

PART SEVEN

Madeline

Chapter

20

Shadowbrook, New York, 1873

“Thank you all for coming here this evening,” Justin said to his guests. “As I’m sure you all have guessed by now, this is a very special night. And I want to share my joy with all of you.”

Justin gestured for Madeline to come and stand beside him. “Miss Madeline Simms has just consented to become my wife.”

A hush fell over Justin’s elegant ballroom. Then all the guests began to talk at once.

Everyone looks so happy, Madeline thought. So happy for me. I’m so glad I came to Shadowbrook!

Not even the strange story Auntie told her several days before dimmed Madeline’s enjoyment of this evening. Nothing could.

She didn’t believe Justin was an evil soul-stealer. She believed he was the most wonderful man in the world.

Justin signaled to the orchestra he hired for the party. Instantly, they began a slow and dreamy waltz. “Will you dance with me?” he asked. “Our first dance as an officially engaged couple?”

Madeline smiled her acceptance and Justin swept her into his arms. Dancing with Justin felt like nothing Madeline had ever experienced before. One of his arms held her waist tightly. The other grasped her hand. He guided her across the ballroom floor so skillfully that her feet hardly seemed to touch it.

Dancing with Justin is like dancing on air. I’ve never felt so alive in my life.

Madeline didn’t want the wonderful waltz to be over. When it was, she would have to share Justin again. She stared up at him, trying to forget about all the other people in the crowded ballroom.

He looks different somehow, Madeline thought. She studied Justin’s face. Tiny lines spread out from the corners of his eyes. Wrinkles crossed his forehead. And deep grooves ran from the base of his nose to the corners of his lips.

I don’t remember his face being so lined. Justin’s cheeks sunk in. Dark rings appeared under his eyes.

What is happening?

Madeline glanced around the ballroom. No one else appeared to notice anything unusual. People smiled and nodded at her and Justin as they waltzed past.

“Is anything wrong?” Justin asked.

Madeline returned her gaze to his face. He smiled at her—and she gasped. His teeth were black with rot. She could smell the decay.

“I’m fine,” Madeline managed to answer. “It is just a bit hot in here. I’m feeling faint.”

That’s all it is, she told herself. Control yourself, Madeline. Remember Mama.

Madeline forced herself to smile up at Justin—and he appeared as handsome as ever. Young, with the face of an angel.

You see, she told herself, you imagined it all.

The music ended. Guests rushed up to congratulate them.

“I just need a breath of fresh air,” Madeline told Justin. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Very well,” Justin said. He squeezed her hand. “Don’t be too long, and don’t go too far.”

Madeline excused herself and escaped out into the hall. The cool air in the dimly lit hallway felt pleasant after the warmth of the ballroom. Madeline fluttered her fan to cool herself down further. She could hear the musicians striking up another dance.

I’ll go back in a moment, she thought. Right now, it’s nice to be alone. Soon, this will be my house, too. I’ve never seen any of it until tonight.

She wandered over to the foot of Justin’s sweeping staircase. The white marble glistened in the light of a crystal chandelier.

I shouldn’t go up without Justin, Madeline thought. He asked me not to go too far. But what harm can there be in a little exploration?

Madeline set her foot upon the first stair. A cold tendril of icy air snaked down her back. She shivered and climbed a few steps more.

The smell of roses drifted toward her. Decayed roses, left too long in a vase. The cold air at her back increased, and she took a few steps.

It’s almost as if the air is pushing me forward. Urging me to go upstairs.

I’m getting fanciful again, she thought. Letting my imagination run away with me. I cannot keep doing that. I’m going to stay in control.

Madeline turned back, determined to return to the ballroom.

The ghost stood at the bottom of the stairs.

His dark eyes burned like living fire. They seemed to make the air around him glow.

Madeline shrank back in terror. Then a powerful spurt of anger took hold of her.

I’m tired of being chased and frightened! I’m not going to let him do it anymore!

“I’m not afraid of you anymore,” Madeline said firmly. “I’m going to walk right down these stairs and go back into the ballroom. And you’re going to let me by.”

The ghost threw his head back. His mouth opened, as if he were laughing at her ridiculous statement. Then he raised his arms.

For an instant, nothing happened. Then Madeline saw the fog.

It was ice cold, creeping up the staircase. It covered the first step. Then the second one. Ice began to form on the banister. The wood cracked and groaned.

Madeline felt her skin begin to tingle with cold. She snatched her hand off the banister. She yelped in pain as pieces of skin were left behind.

“Why are you doing this to me?” she panted. “Why are you tormenting me?”

The ghost just smiled. He started up the staircase toward her.

Back. Back. Back. Madeline stumbled up the staircase. Into the dark reaches of Justin’s house.

The ghost followed. Surrounded by the deadly, ice-cold fog.

“Stay back! Don’t come near me!”

Madeline dashed down the upstairs hall.

An icy wind slammed into her. It knocked Madeline to her knees. Tendrils of fog whipped past her. Ice formed on everything it touched.

Madeline could see a thin band of light ahead of her. Shining out from beneath a doorway at the very end of the hall.

I’ve got to reach that room. Maybe there I’ll be safe.

Madeline pushed herself to her feet. Her hands were so cold, she could no longer feel them. Her feet were clumsy. Her toes felt like solid blocks of ice.

She tripped down the hall, crashing from side to side. The wind howled and screamed behind her. Madeline raised her hands and covered her ears against the sound.

I can make it.

Madeline reached the end of the hall. She grabbed the doorknob. Her hand slipped off it. Her fingers were too cold to open the door.

No! No!

A gust of wind pushed by her. The door of the room flew open with a crash. Madeline staggered across the threshold, gasping and panting. The icy wind blew around her and slammed the door shut.

Madeline leaned back against it, desperately trying to catch her breath. Then she stared around her.

Where am I?

She’d never seen such a strange room. Everywhere she looked she saw only black. Shiny black shutters covered the windows. Long panels of black velvet hung from the ceiling. Black flocked wallpaper covered the walls. The scent of roses filled her nose and throat and lungs, so strong it nearly choked her.

It’s like a tomb in here, Madeline thought.

She walked forward on thick black carpet. Her footsteps did not make any sound.

At the far end of the room hung four life-sized portraits. Beneath each portrait stood an ebony-wood table as black as the walls. On each table stood a flickering black candle in a silver holder and crystal vase filled with roses.

Four different colors of roses.

Four different portraits of young women in flowing white gowns.

Felicity Fear 1776–1793

Alexandra Fear 1796–1813

Hermione Fear 1816–1833

Katerina Fear 1835–1853

Madeline felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Auntie told her the truth! Justin was married four times. These are the portraits of his wives!

Madeline stared at the dates beneath each portrait. Just as Auntie confided, the girls were seventeen when they died. Not one lived to reach her eighteenth birthday.

They’re beautiful, Madeline thought. So beautiful.

Madeline reached and touched one of the perfect red roses in the vase beneath Katerina’s portrait. The petals crumbled.

They’re dead! Just like the brides.

Just beyond the portrait of Katerina Fear, Madeline noticed a heavy gold frame peeping out from under a black velvet drapery. She ran over to it and pulled the drape down.

A fifth portrait stood in perfect line with all the others. It was complete in almost every detail. The woman’s beautiful white wedding dress seemed to sparkle as it caught the light.

Madeline swallowed, her heart pounding in horror. That looks just like my dress! The one that Cousin Deborah gave me.

Madeline stared at the unfinished portrait. There was no name on the gold plate below it. But there were dates: 1856-1873.

1856. That’s the same year I was born.

An empty vase stood on the table below the unfinished portrait. Beside the vase stood a tall, black candle waiting to be lit.

The portrait is waiting, Madeline thought. Waiting for the identity of the next Fear bride. The next bride to die before her eighteenth birthday.

“Madeline,” a voice murmured.

Madeline stumbled backward. “Who is it? Who is calling me?” she cried.

“Leave this place, Madeline,” the voice whispered. “Leave now or you will never leave alive.”

Madeline stared up at the four portraits. She saw the women’s lips move in the flickering candlelight.

“Leave Shadowbrook,” the Fear brides whispered. “Leave or you will share our fate.”

The candle sprang to life beneath the final portrait. As Madeline watched, the empty oval of the face began to fill.

The eyes came first. Brown with long lashes, just like hers.

Then the hair, black as a raven’s wing.

Then the cheekbones, high and sloping.

And a button nose offset by a determined chin.

A soft, red mouth and the picture was complete.

Madeline stared at her own face.

“Leave now,” her portrait whispered to her. “Or you will be the next Fear bride to die.”

Chapter

21

Madeline dashed out of the portrait gallery. The voices of the dead Fear brides rang in her head, over and over.

Auntie was right! She was right about everything!

I must leave this place! I don’t want to be the next Fear bride to die!

At the top of the stairs, Madeline paused to calm herself down.

I can’t race madly back into the ballroom. If I show that something is wrong, Justin will suspect I have learned the truth. Then I will never get away.

I’ll confide in Cousin Deborah and Cousin Marcus, Madeline decided as she started down the staircase. They’ll help me. They’ll know what to do.

“There you are!” Justin exclaimed as Madeline reached the bottom of the staircase. He gazed at her suspiciously. “I was starting to worry about you.”

“I’m fine, Justin,” Madeline replied lightly. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

She forced herself to smile as she took Justin’s arm. He didn’t release her from his side until she pleaded a headache and begged to go home early.

Justin studied her with a disappointed expression. Madeline looked away.

“Very well,” he said finally. He led her over to Marcus and Deborah. “Madeline is feeling unwell,” he told them. “Would you see her home? I cannot leave my guests.”

“Of course,” Deborah told him. She raised her eyebrows at Madeline.

Justin sent for their cloaks, then escorted them out to the front drive. He had the Simmses’ carriage brought around.

“I hope you feel better by tomorrow,” he told Madeline as the carriage pulled up. “No bride should have a headache on her wedding day.”

My wedding day, Madeline thought, as she let him kiss her good night. The day I seal my doom. I must be far away by then. Somewhere where you can never find me.

“I’m sure everything will be much better by tomorrow,” she promised him. She turned and Justin helped her into the carriage. Then he strolled back into the brilliantly lit house.

“Well, this is a surprising turn of events, I must say,” Deborah huffed, as she climbed into the carriage after Madeline.

Marcus got in behind them and closed the door. He rapped on the roof of the carriage to signal the driver to begin the short drive to their house. As usual, he didn’t say a word.

“I’ve never heard of a bride wanting to go home early from her own engagement party,” Cousin Deborah rattled on. “You and Justin haven’t had some foolish lovers’ quarrel, have you?”

“Cousin Deborah,” Madeline burst out. “I can’t marry Justin Fear. He’s evil and he means to destroy me.

Absolute silence filled the carriage for a moment. Then Deborah spoke up. “What are you talking about, you foolish girl? Justin loves you. Remember our conversation about your mother. Remember how dangerous it is to let your imagination run wild.”

“I’m not imagining anything,” Madeline insisted. “Justin doesn’t love me. He wants to kill me, just the way he did all the others. He wants to steal my soul.”

“That’s enough!” Cousin Marcus ordered. “Stop this nonsense at once!”

The carriage stopped in front of the house. Marcus climbed out. He reached back, and roughly pulled Madeline after him.

“Move, Deborah,” he snapped. “Now.”

Then he marched Madeline to the front door. He opened the door and pushed her inside. As soon as Deborah scurried into the entryway, Marcus slammed and locked the front door.

He never does that! Madeline thought. They never keep the doors locked.

“These ridiculous fantasies have gone on long enough, Madeline,” Marcus said harshly. “Justin asked you to marry him. You accepted of your own free will. The marriage will be carried out.”

Madeline ran to Deborah. “Cousin Deborah,” she pleaded, grabbing hold of her hand. “Help me, now. You told me you wanted to be my friend. I can’t marry Justin. If I do, he’ll kill me.”

“You will marry him,” Marcus insisted. “If you don’t, all our plans will be ruined.”

“Why do you think we took you in in the first place, you stupid girl?” Deborah taunted. “It wasn’t because we love you. It wasn’t because you are family. It was because you are beautiful. Beautiful enough for Justin Fear.”

“Justin is prepared to make Deborah and me a large financial settlement for you,” Marcus stated.

“Enough for us to take our proper place in Shadowbrook society,” Deborah added. “We can fix up this moldy old house. There’ll even be enough to put that horrible old woman, Auntie, in an insane asylum where she belongs. Then we’ll be rid of her forever.”

“Auntie isn’t crazy,” Madeline told them. “She’s the only one who knows the truth.”

“The truth is that you are going to marry Justin,” Cousin Deborah answered. “I’ll drag you to the altar myself if that’s what it takes.”

“You’ll be married in the morning. Until then, you’ll stay in your room.” Marcus’s cold voice chilled the blood in Madeline’s veins.

He seized Madeline by the arm and dragged her forward. Madeline fought wildly. Her legs tangled in her long skirts. She fell.

Marcus grabbed her by the hair and began dragging her up the stairs.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Madeline screamed and struggled, but she couldn’t get away. Excruciating pain ripped through her scalp. She felt as if her head were about to be torn off her shoulders. But she didn’t stop struggling.

Madeline tried to grab Marcus’s legs. I’ve got to stop him, she thought. Trip him. Knock him over. Make him fall down the stairs. Then maybe I can find a way to escape.

But who will protect me? Where will I go?

One of her blows caught Marcus behind the knee and he stumbled.

“You’re not going to get away with that,” he cried. He turned around and raised his hand to strike her.

“Don’t hurt her, Marcus,” Deborah shouted. “You’ll ruin everything. She’s worthless to us if she isn’t beautiful. Justin needs her beauty.”

My beauty. Auntie said my beauty was the key.

Without her beauty, she was useless to Justin. Without her beauty, he wouldn’t want her. She would be free.

But am I strong enough? Am I brave enough to deliberately scar myself?

There is another way, Madeline remembered. She could make Justin bleed. Am I strong enough to destroy him? To put an end to the soul-stealer?

If I destroy Justin, the evil will stop forever. But to destroy him, I’ll have to be close to him. So close.

Madeline stopped struggling. Marcus knelt down and flung her over his shoulder. Panting with exertion, he ran the rest of the way up the stairs.

He opened the door to Madeline’s room and threw her down across the bed. Then he dashed back out into the hallway and slammed the door.

Madeline heard the key turn in the lock. She felt a strange calmness settle over her. The calmness of despair. She wondered if this was the way condemned prisoners felt.

Be strong, she ordered herself. Be strong or you will end up just as all Justin’s brides did. Buried under a rosebush in the garden. Justin will go on being young and handsome forever. He’ll go on stealing souls.

I must try to sleep, Madeline thought. I will need all my strength to stop Justin.

She closed her eyes. But the faces of the Fear brides filled her mind. They whispered their warnings to her again and again.

Crreeaak.

Marcus and Deborah are coming for me already! Madeline thought. They are coming to take me to Justin!

She jumped to her feet. She squared her shoulders and stared at the door.

The door remained tightly closed.

Crreeaak.

Madeline hugged her arms to her body to stop the trembling.

The sound is coming from behind me!

Chapter

22

Heart pounding, Madeline whirled around. Her mouth dropped open as she watched a panel slowly slide open in the wall of her bedroom.

A secret passage!

Madeline hurried over. The entrance looked just large enough for her to fit through.

I don’t know where this leads, but anything is better than just sitting here, waiting to be taken to Justin.

Madeline pressed herself through the tiny opening. She could hardly see a thing in the pitch-black darkness that surrounded her.

She slowly walked forward, arms outstretched. She saw a strange glow at the very end of the corridor. An eerie yellow light.

Madeline stumbled along the passage toward it. Something sticky and cottony brushed across her face. It covered her mouth and nose.

She screamed, and ran toward the light. She lost her footing on the uneven floor of the passage and fell to the ground.

Madeline scrubbed her face with her fingers. Cobwebs. It’s only old cobwebs, she realized.

She crawled forward on her stomach. I’ve got to keep moving. I’ve got to escape from Justin, no matter what it takes.

The ground felt wet and slimy. She felt tiny claws scamper across the back of one of her hands.

Madeline gave a choked cry and flung her hand up. She heard a squishy splat as the creature smashed against the passage wall.

Madeline’s harsh breathing filled the passage. Her hands were torn and bleeding. Inside her long skirts, her knees were raw.

It’s not important, she thought. Getting away from Justin is the only thing that matters.

The glow ahead of her grew stronger.

I’ve got to keep going. I’m almost there.

She rounded a bend in the passage and a strange room spread out before her.

It looks like a scientific laboratory, she thought.

A young man sat at a large desk in the center of the laboratory. He stared at Madeline with sorrowful eyes. His body glowed with the eerie yellow light.

The ghost!

Madeline tensed, waiting for the ghost to attack her.

But he just sat there, looking sad and beaten.

“You weren’t trying to hurt me, were you?” Madeline whispered. “You were trying to warn me. And keep me away from Justin.”

The young man nodded. He rose and floated toward her.

“Now you’re trying to help me get away. How? How do I do it?”

“He can’t tell you,” came the reply. “And besides, it’s too late.”

Chapter

23

Justin!

There must be another passageway, Madeline thought.

Justin stood on the opposite side of the laboratory. Cutting off her only escape route.

“You’re too late again, Tobias.” Justin gloated as he sauntered into the laboratory. “I’ve tasted her blood. You know what that means. She belongs to me now.”

Tobias! The name Auntie always called.

The ghost of Tobias floated between Madeline and Justin.

Even now, he’s trying to protect me, she thought.

The ghost threw his head back. His mouth opened in a silent howl. The glow around him turned an angry red.

He can’t speak, she realized. There was no way for him to explain what was really happening.

“Get out of my way, Tobias,” Justin cried. “You couldn’t stop me when you were alive. You can’t stop me now. She’s mine and I’m going to take her!”

Justin lunged at Madeline.

The ghost flew at him. Madeline scooted around the edge of the room. She could hear Justin’s evil laughter.

“I’m going to beat you again, Tobias,” he shouted. “I’m stronger than you are, even though you have ghostly powers.”

Justin and the ghost of Tobias wrestled together. A tray of laboratory bottles fell over with a crash.

Justin is right, Madeline realized as she watched their battle. He is stronger than the ghost. She could see the fight draining Tobias’s strength. Already, the glow from his body had faded to a pale light.

Madeline began to edge toward the passageway Justin had used. I’ve got to find the way out. If only Tobias can hold Justin off long enough, I can escape!

With a great shout, Justin plunged his fists straight through Tobias’s body.

The ghost disappeared.

“I’ve done it,” Justin cried. “I’ve beaten you, Tobias. Now, nothing can stop me. Madeline is mine.”

Justin spun around to face her. His chest heaved with exertion. Sweat dripped down from his brow. His blue eyes burned with a terrible fever.

A fever for my blood!

How can I ever have thought he was handsome? He looks like a demon. A demon hungry for blood.

I’ve got to get away from him. I must!

“There’s no sense in running. You can’t escape me, Madeline,” Justin told her calmly.

He strode toward her. Madeline backed away.

“It doesn’t hurt, you know,” Justin continued in the same calm tone. “You won’t feel anything at all. And your beauty will help me be young forever. Wouldn’t you like that?”

He’s completely insane, she thought. Completely evil. And there’s no one to protect me from him. I’m all alone.

She took another step back as Justin advanced. He reached for her. His fingers twitched uncontrollably, as if he longed to wrap them around her throat.

“Be sensible, Madeline,” Justin suggested. “Why make it harder on yourself?”

Desperately, Madeline looked around for a weapon.

Too late! Too late! Justin grabbed Madeline with his cold, cold hands.

Madeline glimpsed a streak of white out of the corner of her eye. Then a flash of metal.

Madeline heard a howl of fury—and someone leaped onto Justin’s back. Justin cried out and twisted around.

It’s Auntie! Madeline thought. She has a knife. She’s trying to kill Justin!

But is she strong enough?

Justin shrieked like a madman. He spun in circles. Trying to fling Auntie from his back.

He flailed at her, striking her and striking her. He tried to catch hold of her legs and pull her off.

Auntie’s harsh panting filled the laboratory.

She can’t do it, Madeline thought.

She can’t use the knife. It’s taking all her strength just to hang on to Justin.

One part of Madeline’s mind told her she should run. Race down the passage. Run for her life.

But another part of her couldn’t bring herself to abandon Auntie.

She tried to warn me and protect me. She’s the only real friend I have in Shadowbrook.

I can’t abandon her to Justin. I’ve got to stay to help her.

Madeline rushed toward them.

Too late.

Bellowing in fury, Justin threw himself back against the laboratory wall.

Crack!

Auntie’s head smashed against the hard surface. Blood spurted from beneath her veil.

Crack!

Justin slammed himself against the wall again and again. Auntie’s head flopped like a rag doll’s. She lost her grip on his shoulders and slumped to the ground.

Her veil slipped off and landed in a bloody heap beside her. Madeline saw Auntie’s face clearly for the first time. She felt hypnotized by the sight.

In the wrinkled old face Madeline saw the shadows of ruined beauty. Auntie had been lovely once. Except for the long jagged scar that ran across one cheekbone.

Her blue eyes stared blankly at the ceiling. Madeline felt her stomach reel at the sight of the blood that spurted from the wound on Auntie’s head.

“Old fool,” Justin gloated. He panted, trying to catch his breath. “Did you think that you could beat me?”

“The knife,” Auntie gasped. “Madeline, the knife!”

Chapter

24

Madeline lunged.

Yes, the knife! Her only chance. She had to grab it!

She felt the breath shoot from her lungs as she landed on the hard floor of the laboratory. She could feel the hilt of the knife digging into her ribs.

I’ve got it! I’ve got the knife! Now I can save myself.

She rolled over, her fingers scrabbling for the handle of the knife. She grabbed it and sat up just as Deborah and Marcus burst out of the passage.

“Take her,” Justin shouted wildly. “Stop her. She’s got a knife.”

Marcus strode forward. He reached down to grab her. Madeline slashed the blade across his hand.

Blood ran down the blade and dripped onto Madeline’s dress. Marcus fell back, howling in rage and agony.

“You horrible girl,” he cried out. “Look what you’ve done! I ought to—”

He reached for her with blood-soaked fingers.

“Don’t hurt her, Marcus,” Justin shouted. “If she’s damaged she’s useless to me. She’s got to be perfect.”

Everyone in the laboratory stood stone still.

They’re all afraid of what I might do, Madeline realized. She slowly pushed herself to her feet.

She held the knife up in front of her, waving it at Deborah and Marcus. Instantly, the two fell back.

Madeline reversed the blade, so that its keen edge pointed straight at her own face.

“Stay away from me, all of you,” she commanded in a tense voice. “Stay back or I’ll cut myself.”

Slowly, Madeline inched around the outside of the laboratory, aiming for the passage that she guessed led to Justin’s house.

Justin stood in the center of the room, pivoting as Madeline made her slow circuit. His blue eyes never left her face. Madeline stared into them, drawn by their fierce power.

“Madeline, listen to me,” Justin whispered. His voice sounded soft and soothing, as if he were telling a bedtime story to a small and frightened child.

“What has come over you all of a sudden? You can’t really think I want to hurt you. I asked you to be my wife. I love you, Madeline. I want to marry you!”

Madeline felt woozy. Her legs felt rubbery. She stumbled as she crossed the floor.

He wants to marry me. He says he loves me.

All her earlier feelings for Justin returned with a rush.

What am I so afraid of? Justin is brave and handsome. He loves me and I love him. He wants to protect me from danger, not hurt me. He wants me to be his wife.

“Justin,” Madeline whispered. “Oh, Justin, I’ve been so unhappy. So confused.”

“I know,” Justin answered soothingly. “I know you have, my darling. But that’s all over now. You have remembered your true feelings and everything’s going to be all right.

“I want you to listen to me very carefully, Madeline,” Justin continued, edging forward. “Put down the knife.”

The knife, she thought. There’s something important I have to do with the knife.

What is it? Why can’t I remember?

“The knife,” she murmured. “The knife …”

“Put the knife down, Madeline,” Justin instructed again. He moved a little closer. “Put it down and no one will get hurt. Then we can be married. Wouldn’t you like that?”

Married to Justin. It was what she wanted. What she dreamed of. The happy ending to her unhappy life.

Madeline’s grip on the knife wavered. Her arm dropped to her side.

“That’s right, Madeline,” Justin encouraged her. “That’s right.”

Across the room, Madeline heard Auntie moan.

Madeline’s head cleared instantly. Her grip on reality returned with a snap.

I understand what Justin is trying to do. He’s using the power of his voice to seduce me.

“Justin.” She sighed, pretending to be under his sway. “Help me. Help me do what you want me to.”

She teetered, as if her tired legs could no longer hold her. “Justin, help me,” she cried.

Closer. Come just a little closer, she thought.

“Justin,” Madeline whispered. “I love you.”

Triumph flooded Justin’s face. “I know you do, sweetheart,” he crooned. “And I love you, too. Now give me the knife, Madeline.”

He stepped closer. Madeline smiled up into his face.

So handsome. So evil.

“Yes, Justin,” she whispered. “Yes.”

She held out the knife.

Justin reached for it, eagerly.

Madeline slashed the knife across his eyes.

Chapter

25

Justin screamed and staggered away from her.

Bright red blood poured out of his eye sockets.

“The blood of all your innocent victims is flowing from you at last,” Madeline cried. “Now you will have the horrible fate that you deserve. All your youth and good looks will desert you. You will grow old and die.”

“You,” Justin choked, pointing at her with one bloody finger. “You!”

He took a step forward. Then his body spasmed and he fell to the ground.

Thick green mucus oozed from his nostrils. Oily white foam poured out of his ears. He opened his mouth to scream, and black bile shot from his mouth.

The horrible stench made Madeline gag. She covered her mouth and nose to block out the disgusting, rotten odor. A stench more powerful and revolting than she could ever have imagined.

It’s the evil. All the evil inside him is pouring out.

“No,” he screamed. “You can’t destroy me. I won’t let you. No, no, no!”

His eyeballs burst.

Huge blisters formed on the backs of his hands.

Unable to look away, Madeline watched them pulse and throb in time to Justin’s heartbeat. Then they split open, revealing cold, white bone.

I should feel sorry for you, but I can’t, Madeline thought. Not after all the innocent people you destroyed.

Justin’s body jerked uncontrollably. Madeline could hear his bones crack.

He twisted his head from side to side in agony. His tongue protruded from between his white teeth. They chattered—and he bit his tongue off.

Justin gave one last, great cry. The flesh on his face turned purple. Then black. His skull poked through his scalp.

He drew one final, rattling breath. His sightless eye sockets stared upward.

His body gave one last spasm. Then he was still.

It’s over. The evil is vanquished. The soul-stealer is destroyed.

“You killed him!”

Chapter

26

“You killed him,” Deborah gasped, staring at Madeline. “You killed Justin.”

She rushed at Madeline, her fingers curved like claws.

The laboratory began to heave and buckle. Huge roots shot down through the ceiling and sprang up through the floor.

What’s happening? What is this?

The scent of roses filled the air.

One of the roots struck Marcus in the head. His skull split open.

Deborah began to scream. She dashed madly back and forth, trying to avoid the roots. They followed her, snaking their way across the floor.

They caught her by the ankles and pulled her down. Deborah shrieked as the roots twined around her.

The thick, thorny roots squeezed and squeezed. Deborah began to choke. Then she gave a rattling cough and lay still.

It’s the spirits of Justin’s wives, buried in the rose garden, Madeline realized. They are controlling the roots. They’re taking their revenge on anyone who helped Justin.

The laboratory shook and swayed as more roots plunged through the ceiling. Huge hunks of plaster fell from the walls.

I’ve got to get out of here! The whole room is caving in.

Madeline dashed to where Auntie lay huddled in a corner. I don’t know if she’s still alive. But I can’t just leave her here. She’s the one who tried to help me. I’ve got to try to help her now.

Madeline knelt down and hoisted Auntie up onto one shoulder. Then she stood up. The old woman hardly weighed anything at all.

Auntie moaned as Madeline adjusted her position. Thank goodness she’s still alive!

The roots completely blocked the passageway to her cousins’ house. Madeline turned and fled down the passage toward Justin’s.

She burst into his bedroom and ran through the upstairs hall. She rushed down the long, curving staircase, still carrying Auntie in her arms.

With her last spurt of energy, Madeline flung the front door open and carried Auntie out into the yard. There she collapsed, completely exhausted.

This is as far as I can go, Madeline thought. She sank to her knees on the grass in front of Justin’s house, cradling Auntie in her arms.

Auntie’s eyes flickered open. “You did it,” she whispered. “I knew you would.”

“Who are you?” Madeline asked. “Why did you help me?”

“My name is Honoria Bancroft,” Auntie answered. “Long ago, I loved a young medical student named Tobias Morgan. Justin betrayed and murdered him. Tobias swore to haunt Shadowbrook until he had destroyed Justin’s evil. I couldn’t let my love fight on alone. Although I’m old and weak, I tried my best to help him.”

The ground beneath them trembled. “Look, Honoria,” Madeline said, pointing.

The rosebushes spurted up, growing and growing. They surrounded Justin’s house. The walls and foundation began to shake.

“The rosebushes. They’re tearing down the house!” Madeline cried.

With a great groan, the Fear house shuddered. Then, one by one, the walls began to fall.

The rosebushes squeezed and squeezed, grinding the house into smaller and smaller pieces. Soon, Justin’s beautiful house was nothing more than a pile of rubble.

“They’ve done it,” Honoria whispered. “They’ve taken their revenge. Sleep in peace now, wives of Justin Fear. The evil that claimed your lives is over forever.”

A shower of rose petals drifted down on Honoria and Madeline.

“Come,” Madeline said, starting to get up. “I’ve got to bring you to a doctor.”

Honoria shook her head. “It’s too late for that, my dear. I’m dying and I know it. But now I can die happy. I’ll die knowing I’ve seen the end of Justin Fear.”

“But, Honoria—” Madeline protested.

“Quiet,” Honoria said firmly. “You’ll waste my strength and I haven’t much time.” She drew a shuddering breath.

Madeline felt her heart squeeze in sorrow. “I don’t want to lose you. You’re my only friend.”

“Under your pillow is Tobias’s diary,” Honoria continued. “I put it there. Cut open the cover. The money from my dowry is there.

“I saved it for me and Tobias. So we could start a new life together, far away from Shadowbrook. Far away from Justin Fear. Now it will be the start of a new life for you, Madeline.”

Honoria gripped Madeline’s hand with her ancient, bony fingers. “Promise me you’ll take it,” Honoria whispered. “Promise me you’ll find a place to live happily ever after, far away from here.”

“I promise,” Madeline answered. Tears stung her eyes.

Honoria smiled. “Then there’s nothing else to hold me here,” she told Madeline. She sat up suddenly, as if all her strength were returning to her.

“My Tobias! I’m coming,” she cried.

She collapsed back into Madeline’s arms. An eerie smile played on her lips.

She’s dead. I’m happy she’s at peace, Madeline thought. But now I’m all alone.

A glow filled the air around Madeline. The ghost of Tobias Morgan appeared. He stretched his arms toward Honoria. All the torment in his expression was gone.

Honoria’s youthful spirit rose up from her body to meet him. Tobias took her tenderly into his arms.

They kissed. The air shimmered golden around them.

How beautiful she is. How happy they are together.

The two spirits turned to look at Madeline. She knew that they were saying farewell.

“Good-bye,” Madeline whispered. “Thank you.”

Slowly, the spirits faded. The bright glow disappeared. And Madeline was left alone.

She rose wearily to her feet and began the journey back to her cousins’ house.

I’m going to find Honoria’s legacy. And then I’m going to find a life of my own.

Epilogue

Madeline adjusted the skirts of her new dress as she sat down in the buggy. After several months of searching for the perfect place to settle, she was on her way to her new home.

The second Madeline spotted the little cottage on Rose Street, she knew she wanted it. She was able to buy it and have just enough left over to live on.

I don’t even mind that it’s on Rose Street. Why should I? The roses and I won. Nothing bad is going to happen to me here.

On Rose Street, I’ll start over. I’ll be free from all the ugly shadows of the past. Even bad dreams won’t haunt me here. I’ll be free from Justin Fear at last. No one has ever heard of the Fears in this beautiful place. I’m certain of it.

“Are you just visiting, miss?” the driver of the buggy asked in a friendly voice after Madeline gave him her address.

“Oh, no. I’m going to live here,” she answered happily. “Today will be my first day in my new home.”

“Will it, now? Fancy that!” the driver exclaimed.

Madeline stared around her as the driver guided the horse and buggy through the streets of the town. Her town now.

The shop windows looked bright and festive. The houses looked beautiful, too, with lovely gardens and bright green lawns. Madeline felt a spurt of joy shoot through her.

I made the right decision this time.

“Rose Street is lovely, miss,” the driver commented. “A very nice part of town. Not as fancy as the houses on Fear Street, of course,” he added, as the buggy turned the corner. “But then we can’t all of us live there.”

Fear Street! Fear Street?

“Here we are, miss,” the driver said, pulling the buggy to a stop in front of Madeline’s new house. “I hope you’ll be very happy living here. Welcome to Shadyside.”

About the Author

R.L. Stine is the best-selling author in America. He has written more than one hundred scary books for young people, all of them bestsellers.

His series include Fear Street, Ghosts of Fear Street and the Fear Street Sagas.

Bob grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Today he lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, his teenage son, Matt, and his dog, Nadine.

Books by R.L. Stine

THE FEAR STREET SAGA

THE BETRAYAL

THE SECRET

THE BURNING

FEAR STREET SAGA COLLECTOR’S EDITION

FEAR STREET SAGAS

A NEW FEAR

HOUSE OF WHISPERS

FORBIDDEN SECRETS

THE SIGN OF FEAR

THE HIDDEN EVIL

DAUGHTERS OF SILENCE

CHILDREN OF FEAR

DANCE OF DEATH

Available from ARCHWAY Paperbacks

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

AN ARCHWAY PAPERBACK Original

An Archway Paperback published by

POCKET BOOKS, a division of Simon & Schuster Inc.

1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
www.SimonandSchuster.com

Copyright © 1997 by Parachute Press, Inc.

DANCE OF DEATH WRITTEN BY CAMERON DOKEY

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Pocket Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

ISBN: 0-671-00295-3

ISBN 13: 978-1-4424-7375-1 (ebook)

First Archway Paperback printing August 1997

FEAR STREET is a registered trademark of Parachute Press, Inc.

AN ARCHWAY PAPERBACK and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster Inc.

Cover art by Lisa Falkenstern

IL 7+