CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR –THE FAMILY RITES

Cassie couldn't sleep. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts after the intense, heated moment with Florian earlier. She tossed and turned, replaying their near-kiss over and over. The way his eyes had smoldered with longing before snapping back to reality. The warning laced within his words about Vivian and the dangers of getting too close. Around 2am, she gave up on any hope of rest and decided to get some air. She threw on a robe and slippers, quietly creeping through the mansion's shadowy hallways. The heavy drapes were drawn in every room, but she could see the bright full moon shining outside. As Cassie neared the doors leading to the courtyard, she heard a strange sound. Almost like...chanting? Her heart rate picked up as she realized there were voices murmuring in unison, drifting in from outside. Cautiously, she peered through the crack of an open door. What she saw caused her breath to catch in her throat. The entire staff along with the von Steiner family members were gath