Page 2 of A Raven Realized (The Raven’s Den #5)
Dr. Mickelson had just landed himself right at the top of Simon’s list. The man was going to pay for what he’d done to Samantha.
Ash reappeared after Samantha returned to her room.
“Thank you for taking her in and keeping her safe. If I’d known they were going to mistreat her, I never would have left her there.”
“She’s in good hands here.”
Simon nodded, but cursed himself for his failure. He’d known she would be, which was why he’d tried to bring her here first. If only he’d spoken up and not been such a coward. There was no undoing it now, but he was going to pay a visit to Dr. Mickelson.
“I can’t hire a cab to take me all the way to Auburn Ridge, so where's a good place for me to get a horse around here?”
“You can take one of mine, but let me send some backup with you.”
Simon usually liked to work alone, but perhaps having some extra support might be a good thing this time. Getting in and out of an asylum had to be a bit more difficult than slipping into a man’s home to slit his throat.
“Why are you so willing to help me with this? Auburn Ridge isn’t your problem.”
“I got Samantha out when I went in for one of my own, so if you’re going to take care of that man, I am happy to help in any way I can. Just make sure you don’t leave an asylum full of women with no one to care for them. I can’t take them all, unfortunately.”
Simon nodded. “If you have someone you can spare who will stay out of my way, I’d appreciate the help.”
“I have just the man.”
* * *
Madelene steeled herself before entering the dining room where she had breakfast every morning with her father.
Today was her thirtieth birthday, which was also the thirtieth anniversary of her mother’s death.
She was unlikely to make it through the meal without her father reminding her that she was the reason her mother was dead.
He didn’t acknowledge her as she sat down, which was how it usually went.
No one in the house ever did. She kept her head down as a bowl of porridge was placed in front of her.
On this day, she wouldn’t even be offered honey.
Extravagances like that weren’t often permitted.
They might weaken her resolve, making it easier for the evil inside her to take control.
Even after all these years, she didn’t know what that meant.
She didn’t feel evil. But apparently, she was.
She sighed and took a bite of the bland mush.
Perhaps that was a whisper of it, now. She should be grateful for the meal in whatever form it came.
She was, but it was so much tastier with a bit of honey.
Occasionally, she was even allowed strawberry jam if she behaved well for long enough.
Another wistful sigh passed through her lips.
“Have you forgotten what day it is today, Madelene?”
She shook her head but didn’t look up.
“Ingratitude is unbecoming, and you would do well to remember that.”
She nodded.
He left before she finished eating, and she was grateful he hadn’t said anything more. Didn’t he know that she’d spent a lifetime desperately wanting a mother? It wasn’t as if she’d chosen to have this evil in her.
She took a breath. Ingratitude was unbecoming, and she needed to do better.
Perhaps some fresh air would help her. She left the dining room and retrieved her shawl before heading outside. The morning breeze was chilly, and the skies overcast. Not even Mother Nature could offer her something nice today?
Sometimes she wished she could live a life like the ones she read about in books.
One filled with adventure or romance. She smiled thinking about how wonderful it would be.
She wasn’t deserving of a life like that, but it couldn’t hurt to imagine it, could it?
What would it feel like to fall in love?
She’d never know. Those things weren’t for her.
With yet another sigh, she made her way back into the house. It would be time for her piano lesson soon. She sat on the bench and played a few scales to warm up her fingers while she waited for her teacher to arrive.
“Keep those fingers curled,” he said, as he approached the instrument. Madelene nodded and pulled her fingertips in a bit more. Even with her tutors, she wasn’t allowed to speak unless it was necessary.
She should be used to it by now, but it made her irritable today.
Perhaps because she was tired of the same thing day after day.
Tired of being unseen, unheard, and unloved.
She wanted more. She wanted to laugh and dance, to be held in someone's arms, to be a wife and a mother, but those things would never be permitted. The closest she’d ever get to them, was in her beloved books.
Mr. Cantor slid a sheet of music in front of her, and again, she sighed.
She played the first few bars before he stopped her.
“You’re doing fine, but it should be a bit more melodic.”
She nodded and started from the beginning. She wasn’t feeling particularly melodic today.
She was thirty years old today, and she just wanted someone to acknowledge that.
He stopped her again, and this time, he sat down beside her on the bench. “Just listen.”
He placed his hands on the keys, and the notes suddenly carried a wealth of passion. She couldn't stop herself from looking at him. His eyes were closed as he lost himself in the music. When he opened them again, his brow furrowed. She’d never made eye contact with him before.
This was her chance.
“Will you kiss me?”
Heavy footfalls crossed the room toward them. Madelene closed her eyes as dread filled her stomach. Her father had been watching.
“That will be all for today’s lesson, Mr. Cantor.”
“Yes, sir.”
Her father waited until the man was gone before speaking again. “I won’t have it, Madelene.” His voice trembled slightly, and the anger made cold settle over her. Anger wasn’t something he often displayed. She’d gone too far this time. “I won’t have rebelliousness under my roof.”
“I’m sorry, Father.”
“Sorry won’t take back what you’ve done. And on this day of all days. I have clearly failed in my attempt to make you strong enough to fight the demons within you.”
Madelene shook her head, but looking up at him or speaking would only make it all worse.
“It’s time I take you to someone who can provide more guidance than I am capable of.”