The winding waters of the river near Umbermere Castle had witnessed countless misdeeds, yet they remained as clear and crystalline as ever, the same blue as Ondine's soft eyes. The young man soaked his pale legs in the water, a subtle curl of his lips expressing the pleasure of relaxing in his favorite location. He thought wistfully of the many bodies that went down, down the stream, and felt a brief twinge in his heart before he reminded himself that his actions were necessary.

"This area is certainly quiet now that the villagers are frightened for their lives," he noted in a low tone, gazing at his feminine reflection with apathy. His skirts were hiked up, his makeup was lightly smudged, and he resembled a manor ghost or doll more than a human being. "I pray they do not attempt another investigation soon." Although his grandfather Tarquin and his mother Eulalia educated him in the ways of violence so that he could help protect his family, he would prefer the Corrs were left alone so that he could read romantic novels and make his family smile in peace.

Suddenly, he heard a sound and his head snapped to the side, his slender body tensing for a potential confrontation. He hoped it was only a bird or squirrel.