#Chapter 221: The Trees Remember

Agnes I jumped back, my heart racing. “I-I’m sorry,” I stammered. “I heard coughing and wanted to make sure everything was alright.” Richard nodded and took a step back, putting some much-needed space between us. “Of course. You were just being considerate.” He glanced at the closed door. “I hope Elise didn’t say anything to disturb you. She’s not herself these days.” “No, not at all,” I lied, not wanting to mention her strange words about “the gift” or shadows watching. “She seems… unwell, but it was nice to meet her.” Richard sighed, and the way his shoulders dropped slightly with the release spoke of a man who’d been carrying a profound weight for a long time. “Come,” he said, turning and heading back toward the parlor. “I think I owe you an explanation.” Back in the parlor, the firelight flickered across all of our faces, but particularly deepened the lines in Richard’s face. He sat on the edge of his chair, elbows braced on his knees, staring i