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when they were in kindergarten together. Caroline. Who had attempted to bring Katherine's life to an end and disgrace Elizabeth in front of the whole community the previous week.

And what was it exactly that Caroline had written in her journal regarding Merit? Merit is completely passive and does nothing except observe. It's almost as if she couldn't act; all she can do is respond to the world around her. In addition, I've overheard my parents discussing her relatives, so it's not surprising that she never brings them up.

Elizabeth's gaze wandered away from the wintry scenery in search of Katherine's expectant countenance. She spoke her response in a hushed tone, "It makes no difference." "I am familiar with Merit, and I put my faith in her. I will have complete faith in her."

He addressed Elizabeth and added, "I hope she's deserving of it." "I genuinely feel that way."


What can we say about our progress after working hard for a week?

We have been able to keep a close eye on our three suspects for the last six or seven days, and we have been almost successful in doing so continually. The findings include details on Robert's travels throughout the last week, during which he conducted himself as any typical businessperson would. It is said that Alaric has not been engaging in any activities that would be considered odd for a history instructor. There are a number of reports about Mrs. Flowers, who seems to spend the most of her time in the cellar. On the other hand, we haven't actually picked up anything new.

Katherine claims that Alaric had a couple of meetings with the school's principal, but he was unable to get near enough to the two of them to hear what they were discussing.

Both Merit and Denis have been spreading the word that other household pets, including dogs, might be harmful. They didn't have to put in a lot of effort since it appears like everyone in town is already on the point of panic. Since then, there have been reports of several further animal assaults, although it is difficult to determine which of these should be taken seriously. When some children teased a squirrel, the animal bit one of the children. The youngest member of the Massas family was scratched by the family's pet rabbit. When all of the snakes should have been hibernating, elderly Mrs. Coomber reported seeing copperhead snakes in her yard.

The only one I have solid evidence for is the assault on the veterinarian who was in charge of the dogs' confinement. He was attacked by a number of them, and the majority of them managed to break out from their holding cells. After that, we never heard from them again. People are wishing them ill luck and wishing that they would perish from hunger in the woods, but I have my doubts.

In addition to this, it has been snowing continuously. Not a storm, but also not a lull in activity either. Never before have I seen this much snow.

Katherine is anxious about the dance that will take place tomorrow night.

Which leads us back to our original question: what do we know at this point? What do we have to go on?
During the time that the assaults were taking place, none of our suspects were anywhere near the homes of the Massases, Mrs. Coomber, or the veterinarian. We are now in the same position as when we first began our search for the Other Power.

Tonight is the intimate gathering that Marie is hosting. Merit is of the opinion that we ought to go there. It seems like there is nothing more we can do about it.

Dominic had a slothful demeanor as he talked while stretching out his long legs and glancing about the barn. "No, I do not believe that it poses a particularly significant risk. But I don't understand what you want to achieve by doing that.

"Neither do I, precisely," Elizabeth confessed to having the same sentiment. "But I can't think of anything better to say. Do you?"


"What, you mean there are other things we might be doing with our time? Yes, I do. Would you want for me to tell you more about them?" Elizabeth gave him the signal to remain quiet, and he immediately became more subdued.

"What, you mean there are other things we might be doing with our time? Yes, I do. Would you want for me to tell you more about them?" Elizabeth gave him the signal to remain quiet, and he immediately became more subdued.

"In the basement," said a number of voices in unison.

"And all of us are doing is simply sitting here. Is there anybody who has a better suggestion?"

The stillness was broken by Merit. "If you are concerned that it would be unsafe for both me and Denis, then why don't you all come?" It's not that you have to parade yourself in front of everyone. You could come hide in the attic if you wanted to. Then, in the event that anything terrible occurred, we would be able to shout for aid, and you would hear us.

Denis expressed his confusion by saying, "I don't understand why anybody's going to be yelling." "There won't be any exciting developments over there."

The response that Merit gave was, "Well, maybe not, but it doesn't hurt to be safe." "What are your thoughts on this?"

Elizabeth nodded slowly. "It makes sense." She glanced around for anybody who could disagree with her decision, but Katherine only shrugged, and Dominic whispered something that made Denis chuckle.

"All right, then, we've made our decision. Let's go."

As soon as they left the shelter of the barn, they were met by the impending snowfall. Merit suggested that Denis and she might go in her vehicle together. "And the three of you-"
Dominic responded with a grin befitting a wolf by saying, "Oh, we'll find our own way." Merit nodded, showing that she was not impressed. Elizabeth smiled to herself as she watched the other females go, thinking it was funny that Merit had never been impressed by Dominic. It seemed as if she was immune to his charming ways.
When Katherine switched her attention to Dominic, the woman was ready to tell him that she was hungry. "Would you be willing to spend the whole of your time in that location with Elizabeth? Every minute?" he asked.
Dominic said with a cheery tone, "Try to stop me." He did not maintain the grin. "Why?" "Because if that's the case, you and your friend may go over there without me, and I'll catch up with you later. There is something I need to do, but it shouldn't take too much time.
The warmth washed over Elizabeth in waves. He was attempting to place his faith in his brother. As he pulled Katherine to the side, she gave her an approving grin and nodded her head.
What exactly is it?

"Today, Caroline sent me a message. I read it. She inquired as to whether or not I would be available to meet her at the school in advance of Alaric's celebration. She said that she was sorry and wanted to apologize.
Elizabeth gave the impression that she was about to make a pointed comment, but then she quickly closed her lips again. She had been told that Caroline was a sad sight these days, and she believed it. And maybe if Katherine spoke to her, it would help her feel better overall.

She responded by telling him, "Well, you don't have anything to apologize for." Everything that might be


occurred to her was entirely due to her own carelessness. You don't believe she's dangerous at all, do you?" whatever had happened to her was all the result of her own actions. You don't believe she poses any kind of risk, do you?" Elizabeth cautioned him to "be cautious" as he made his way out into the snow.
The attic was just as she recalled it: dingy, full of dust, and brimming with weird forms draped in oilcloth. Dominic, who had entered the house in a more traditional manner via the front door, had to pull the shutters down in order to allow her to enter through the window. After that, they sat on the old mattress next to one another and listened to the sounds that were coming from the ventilation ducts.

Dominic mumbled something as he carefully removed a spider web from his sleeve while making the statement, "I could think of more romantic situations." "Are you certain that there isn't anything else-"

Elizabeth responded with a "yes." "Be quiet now."

Listening to fragments of conversations and attempting to piece them together, attempting to put a face to each voice, was like playing a game.

"And then I said, I don't care how long you've had the parrot; get rid of it or I'm going to go to the Snow Dance with Mike Feldman. "And then I said, "And then I said, I don't care how long you've had the parakeet. And he said that there was a report going about that Mr. Tanner's grave had been dug up the previous night.

"Have you heard that everyone, with the exception of Caroline, has withdrawn from the snow queen competition? Do you not believe that-"